Dear Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who participated in my 2015 Legislative Survey. I appreciate your input and value your opinion about issues being debated at the Capitol.
Here are the results:
Governor Dayton and the Senate DFL Majority have proposed adding a 6.5% sales tax to fuel at the whole sale level to fund transportation projects. Do you support this proposal?
Yes 21.32%
No 75.74%
Undecided 2.94%
Additionally, Governor Dayton has proposed a half-percent increase in the sales tax in the seven-county metro area to fund transit. Do you support this proposal?
Yes 23.53%
No 72.06%
Undecided 4.41%
The February forecast projected a $1.9 billion surplus for Minnesota's 2016-17 budget. What should the legislature do with this surplus?
Increase spending 21.37%
Return it to taxpayers 47.33%
Keep it in the reserves 16.79%
Combination of the above 33.59%
Currently, in tight budgeting times school districts make layoff decisions based on teacher seniority. Some legislators are advocating for a reform that allows schools to also consider teacher effectiveness in those decisions. Do you support making this change?
Yes 79.26%
No 17.78%
Undecided 2.96%
What is the best approach for addressing the problems with the Obamacare exchange in Minnesota, MNsure?
It isn't working, repeal it entirely 49.63%
It can be fixed by enacting significant reforms 11.85%
It's working, keep as it is currently 11.11%
Give Minnesotans more options outside of MNsure 27.41%
Do you believe state funding for nursing homes and long-term care programs for seniors and the disabled should be:
Increased 55.73%
Kept the same 35.88%
Reduced 8.40%
Under state law, Sunday liquor sales are illegal in Minnesota. Do you support repealing this law, allowing liquor stores to sell alcohol on Sundays?
Yes 61.03%
No 27.21%
Undecided 11.76%
Republicans and Democrats have introduced separate plans to fund our roads and bridges. Governor Dayton and some DFL legislators support raising the gas tax and increasing the metro-are sales tax, costing the average metro area driver $25 more per month. The plan would raise at least $9 billion over the next ten years in new revenue for transportation and transit.
House Republicans introduced an initial plan which will not raise taxes, but fund roads and bridges by an additional $750 million over the next four years. It includes finding cost savings with MNDOT, dedicating $200 million of the surplus to fix roads and bridges, and spending 90 percent of the unreserved portion of the Trunk Highway Fund.
Which plan do you prefer?
The DFL Transportation Plan 13.97%
The House Republican Transportation Plan 70.59%
Neither 8.09%
Undecided 7.35%
Currently, the state spends $5831 per pupil for the formula allowance. Some legislators want to increase per pupil funding this year. Do you support this proposal?
Yes 23.53%
No 61.76%
Undecided 14.71%
Once again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me!
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