Dear Friends,
This week the Legislature has been on its annual Easter/Passover break, giving lawmakers a chance to recharge and spend time with family ahead of what's going to be a very busy six week sprint to the end of session.
Last week leading up to our break, the Republican transportation proposal was released, a long-term plan that would invest more than $7 billion in roads and bridges, and help repair or replace more than 15,500 lane miles or road and 330 bridges. The plan is funded by diverting existing sales tax revenue from auto parts, rental vehicles, and vehicle leases, as well as bonding and a small portion of the $1.869 billion budget surplus.
Our plan is a common-sense alternative to the plan put forward by the Governor and the Senate which would raise the gas tax by about 16 cents per gallon minimum, and raise other fees. Their plan also would increase the sales tax here in the seven county Metro area to fund transit.
I look forward to what's sure to be a spirited debate in the weeks to come about how to fund our long-term transportation needs.
Budget Targets
Last week also marked the official kickoff of the 2016-2017 budget process with the unveiling of the House and Senate budget targets. The House plan would spend about $39.9 billion for the next two years, and will include more than $2 billion in tax relief that will largely be for helping to ease the tax burden on Minnesota families. The Senate target would put spending at about $42.7 billion, with the Governor proposing a $43 billion budget.
Our budget reflects the value that government budgets shouldn't be growing faster than family budgets. Our budget will show that we can make critical investments in transportation, nursing homes, and education without continuing to grow government at an unsustainable rate.
As we head into the Easter weekend, I hope you have time to enjoy the nice weather and time with family and friends!
Have a great weekend,
Tara Mack