Dear Neighbors,
Your input on issues being debated at the Capitol this session is invaluable to me. I will be closing my 2015 Legislative Survey soon, so if you haven't shared your opinions yet, please do so by clicking the link below.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Sanders2015
I will share the results with you soon!
State Budget
It's the time of year at the Capitol where House fiscal committees are putting together their comprehensive budget omnibus bills. These omnibus bills will fund every area of state government for fiscal years 2016-17 from health and human services to transportation to education.
While the state is fortunate to have a $1.9 billion surplus this session, state leaders must not forget that even when times are good, we need to spend wisely and look for ways to reform government and make it more efficient. Adding significantly to base spending as the governor proposes could leave us with large future deficits.
We believe government spending should not grow faster than your family's budget, and after a 12 percent increase last year which increased government spending threefold over the economy, it's time to slow government growth.
I will keep you updated on omnibus bills as they move out of committee and onto the House Floor for debate.
Road and Bridge Act
This session there has been a renewed focus on transportation. That's why House and Senate Republicans introduced the Road and Bridge Act earlier last month, a wide-ranging 10-year, $7 billion package that will dramatically improve our transportation infrastructure without raising your taxes. Our plan will repair or replace more than 15,000 lane miles and 330 bridges state wide.
Governor Dayton has proposed raising the gas tax by a minimum of 16 cents per gallon to fund infrastructure projects. He also wants to increase the metro-area sales tax. Just as families are feeling relief at the gas pump, these taxes will cost families hundreds of dollars more ever year.
The Road and Bridge Act, in contrast to tax hikes, is funded by redirecting transportation sales taxes we already collect like those on rental vehicles and auto parts, placing that money in a dedicated Transportation Stability Fund. It also uses bonding and finds efficiencies within MnDOT.
I am pleased the Road and Bridge Act is moving forward this session, because not only does it offer reliable, long-term transportation funding without raising your taxes, but it will also significantly improve our infrastructure by doing everything from filling potholes to alleviating congestion in the metro.
If you have any questions or comments on the budget, transportation or any other issue regarding state government, I welcome your input.
As always, it is a privilege to represent you in the Minnesota House. Please let me know if I can ever assist you or your family on a matter of state government.
Have a great week,
Tim
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/37B