Hello Friends!
Taxes
The big news this week is that our latest state economic forecast shows that Minnesota is looking at surplus of almost $1.9 billion.
There are many people in government who can't wait to spend this money.
Remember, this money is YOUR money. It came as a result of being over-taxed.
Folks from all over the district have asked me where I would like to see this money spent.
My first choice is to give it back to YOU, the taxpayer. You were over-charged and deserve a refund. I realize that in the world of St. Paul, this is unlikely. I don't see our governor favoring this option. We may see some kind of a refund, but a full refund is unrealistic.
My second choice, would be to pay down state debt.
My third choice would be to use the funds for roads and bridges.
Power Plants:
Things are going to be heating up again in committee next week.
The EPA is forcing every state in the nation to comply with new standards for carbon reduction. Each state has to design its own plan to achieve this. This is known as the 111d plan.
This is a really big deal. It will make Obamacare look like small potatoes.
Obamacare touched the lives of many Americans. The new EPA 111d will impact the lives of EVERY American. Nothing has ever been done like this before.
Currently, the design and implementation of the Minnesota plan has been delegated to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. They create the plan. The Governor okays it. The plan goes to the EPA. The deal is done.
At this time, there are at least 15 states that have indicated that they will sue the EPA in federal court if they are forced to comply with the new standards.
Some states have indicated that they will simply say "no" to the EPA.
Why are some states responding this way? Because the evidence shows that the cost of power could go up at least 40%. Many state economies will be stressed beyond what they can bare. The risk of massive job losses is unacceptable.
There are many unanswered questions that pertain to the EPA 111d plan.
I am not okay with this. I have introduced a bill, HF#333. This bill says that Minnesota's plan, must FIRST come back to the legislature for approval, BEFORE it is sent off to the EPA.
My bill, HF #333 prevents a handful of agency workers from directing the future of Minnesota.
YOU elected YOUR senators and representatives to speak on your behalf. THEY should do so, BEFORE Minnesota submits to the EPA. This is what my bill, HF# 333 will do.
The hearing for this issue will be Monday, March 9th at 12:45 pm, Room #10 in the State Office Building, next to the Capitol.
I am expecting a full house. In the past, there has always been a good turn out from folks from the environmental organizations. I do not expect them to be very supportive of my bill.
I would love to have folks attend and show their support for my bill. If you're interested in attending, please email me at rep.jim.newberger@house.mn or call my office at 651-296-2451 for more information or if you have questions.
At this time, there are over 30 state representatives who have signed on to my bill. 8 of them are our friends from the other side of the aisle.
Feel free to contact me if you would like to attend or have any questions. Please also consider taking my 2015 legislative survey, and share it with your friends and neighbors as well. I value your input and comments. Click here to take the survey.
God's peace,
Jim