With just over three days remaining in the 2015 legislative session, House leadership has been in constant negotiations with Governor Dayton and the Senate in order to reach consensus on a budget agreement.
We must finish our work on Monday, and I believe all sides will be able to compromise and meet this goal. As a member of the public safety finance conference committee, I know we will be putting in some long hours over the final days trying to finalize a two year spending plan in this budget area.
One of the budget roadblocks has been the Democratic push for the largest gas tax increase in state history even though Minnesota has a projected $2 billion surplus. House Republicans continue to hold firm on our position of no new taxes this session – including the gas tax.
I will be sure to keep you updated on our budget progress over the next few days.
In other news, two of the bills I sponsored have now been signed into law by Governor Dayton. The Military Spouses and Family Appreciation Day will now be designated as the Sunday prior to Memorial Day, and will be a fitting way to honor the sacrifices made by the families of those who are serving our country.
The Prenatal Trisomy Diagnosis Awareness Act will provide informational support to expectant parents who have received a diagnosis of Trisomy 13, 18, or 21 (Down's syndrome), making Minnesota the eighth state to pass prenatal Trisomy awareness legislation.
Finally, another bill I’m carrying is on its way to the Governor's desk after being recently approved in both the House and Senate. The anti-SLAPP bill, which stands for Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, would prevent citizens from being sued if they are reporting a crime. Hopefully Governor Dayton will quickly sign this legislation into law as citizens currently do not have the ability to report a crime without fear of reprisal.
As always, I am interested in your feedback. Please feel free to contact me by e-mail at Rep.Kathy.Lohmer@House.MN or contact my office at 651-296-4244. You can also send mail to my office address: 501 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.