Dear Neighbor,
A bill I authored to help entrepreneurs learn business basics and assist with access to financial resources received support in a House committee this week.
The bill (H.F. 1105) would help expand a program which provides great avenues for minority and low-income citizens who qualify, to either to start up a business, or grow an existing business they have.
Similar opportunities currently exist in Greater Minnesota and select metro-area cities, but my bill would expand the Urban Initiative Program to cover the entire metro area. Specifically, it would provide access to consulting programs which provide learning lessons, along with ways of obtaining loans to help overcome gaps in funding entrepreneurs often face.
Another bill I have authored is H.F. 1969, which states housing plans developed by the Met Council must receive approval from the Legislature before being implemented.
This issue has come to the forefront recently, with reports of standing-room-only crowds pleading with city councils located on the metro area's fringe, to oppose a Met Council plan that would basically mandate new housing types and projects.
I have submitted a column on this topic to area newspapers, so please check them out to see the full story.
Much of the attention in St. Paul will turn toward budget matters next week as the House unveils its budget proposal for the state's next two-year cycle. It will be interesting to compare and contrast the House proposal with separate plans issued by Gov. Mark Dayton and the Senate. I believe the best approach would be to establish areas of agreement, and then work cooperatively to resolve the differences. The details will come out soon, but one thing we can be sure of is the House's plan will not include a 6.5 percent gasoline tax at the wholesale level as the governor proposes.
As always, I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on the above, or any others issues facing the Legislature, It’s also a good time for me to thank our local newspapers for publishing these updates because with all the issues that come before our state government it gives me a chance to communicate things like the above, and solicit input from the people directly affected.
That in turn goes back to back to my responsibility which is to do my best to ensure the power vested in government is reflective of, and accountable to, the people.
Sincerely,
Bob