Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Minnesota House.
State Budget
Late last month, House Republicans unveiled their budget proposal for Fiscal Years 2016-17. Unlike the Governor who wants to spend $43 billion, we are proposing to spend a more conservative $39.949 billion of the General Fund. What's more, our budget includes $2 billion in tax relief to hardworking Minnesotans and places $100 million more into the budget reserves.
Last biennium, the DFL-led legislature and governor increased state spending by almost 12 percent—that's more than three times the rate of Minnesota's economic growth. That kind of spending increase does not reflect the realities of average Minnesotans.
With the guiding principle that government should not grow faster than your family budget, we set budget targets that limit state spending while still ensuring we fund our priorities like education and transportation.
Before the end of April, House fiscal committees will be putting together omnibus bills based on their budget targets. These omnibus bills will include comprehensive budgets for each area of state government, and will be sent to the House Floor for a vote.
I will keep you updated on the budget and omnibus bills as we get closer to the end of session.
Physical Education Legislation
My bill, House File 498, was heard and held over for possible inclusion in the Education Finance Omnibus bill this week. If signed into law, the bill would help fight childhood obesity by updating our statewide standards for physical education in schools and by recommending specific physical education benchmarks for children at different grade levels.
HF 498's companion legislation also received a hearing in the Senate this week. I am hopeful that this initiative becomes law this session because it will improve student health and physical education in our schools.
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As always, thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative. If I can ever be of assistance to you or your family on a matter of state government, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Bob