Dear Neighbor,
Thank you to all the people who attended the series of five town halls Sen. Kevin Dahle and I co-hosted throughout District 20A on Saturday.
Budget talks, education and transportation were the topics which people seemed most eager to discuss. On the budget, meeting attendees provided their thoughts on how the state's projected $1.9 billion in surplus funds through the 2016-17 biennium should be used. The feedback we received will be very helpful as we face tough decisions at the Capitol this session.
One of the most important thoughts I came away from the meetings with was the need to carefully think out the long term ramifications of the actions we take today. We are fortunate to have a projected surplus, but for the most part it is only a "projection" at this point. Therefore we need to be careful to not spend as if the money will always be there, since the economy could cool, or we could structurally put the state into a position where it has ever increasing tax needs which make us less competitive in our state and global economy.
There is no doubt after talking with people we need to address issues such as roads and bridges, nursing home sustainability, education, and myriad other issues. The question to be answered, for which your input is always appreciated, is how do we find a balance between absolute necessities, and those things which may not come to that level of superior importance, but none the less need to be addressed.
So, as always, I welcome your thoughts on the issues, and will continue to do my best to keep you informed
Sincerely,
Bob