Dear Friends and Neighbors,
On Monday, we ended the 2015 legislative session with the House and Senate passing a bipartisan budget that will spend $41.5 billion over the next biennium. While neither side got everything they wanted, the agreed-upon compromise will benefit families and taxpayers in our community.
What's also important to note is that House Republicans stood firm on no gas tax, a proposal that the DFL was insisting on in order to pass a road and bridge package and tax relief—two of our top legislative priorities. Hearing from constituents in my district and people across the state, most were overwhelmingly voicing their opposition to this unnecessary and regressive tax increase. Next session, there will be another opportunity to revisit a tax bill and craft a long-term transportation plan which I am hopeful will include my bill for a 694/494/94 interchange improvement study.
Education was one of the most talked-about issues this session, and legislative leaders passed a bipartisan bill that invests $400 million more into education and puts $60 million more into pre-k initiatives including early learning scholarships. What's more, included in the legislation is teacher licensure reform to clarify the process and help make it easier for out-of-state quality educators to receive a Minnesota teaching license.
Yesterday, Governor Dayton vetoed our education bill because it does not fund universal pre-k and plans to send us into a special session. After compromising and passing a bipartisan budget, I am disappointed that he vetoed an education bill that will positively benefit early learning programs and Minnesota students.
I will keep you updated on a potential special session and other updates about the state budget.
Also, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a happy Memorial Day Weekend. Thank you to all of you who serve or have served, protecting our freedoms and way of life. May we also take a moment this weekend to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
Happy Memorial Day.
As your voice in St. Paul, if I can be of any assistance to you or your family on a matter of state government, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Kelly
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