Dear Neighbors,
Last Tuesday, Governor Dayton released his budget proposal for the 2014-2015 biennium. The Governor’s budget recommendations serve a starting point for our work this session to resolve our $1.1 billion deficit and balance our state budget with a focus on a stronger economic future.
Based on my conversations with you over the past year I believe we need to balance the budget with a focus on more opportunities for middle class families, investments in education, property tax relief, and truly balance our budget without gimmicks.
Minnesota’s future economic competitiveness will hinge on the success of kids in Minnesota classrooms today. But for the past decade our schools have seen cuts that have swelled class sizes and tuition has skyrocketed at our college and universities. Governor Dayton’s budget includes $118 million in new K-12 funding, including $52 in new money for every student, $92 million in early learning, $40 million for optional all-day Kindergarten, and $240 million in new higher education funding.
More money in the pockets of middle class homeowners will help drive job creation and economic growth across the state, but property taxes have nearly doubled over the past ten years. The Governor’s budget includes $1.4 billion in direct property tax relief through a $500 property tax rebate, and increases aid to local governments and counties by $120 million.
The budget proposal also invests $86.5 million in economic development programs to help Minnesota businesses export their products to other countries, move goods more efficiently, as well as other proven programs. These initiatives would help create thousands of new jobs all across Minnesota.
The Governor’s budget also reforms our tax system in several ways, including reforms to business taxes to level the playing field for small businesses. The Governor’s budget reduces the corporate income tax rate, while closing unfair loopholes – such as the loophole that allows corporations to shelter profits overseas.
It’s important for folks to remember that this is just the first step in the budget process. The legislature will receive an economic forecast in February that will provide more information and guidance. In the meantime, we will examine the governor’s proposals, listen closely to Minnesotans, and work together on a budget that will put Minnesota on a path to progress.
I was also very pleased to be re-appointed to the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council. Explore Minnesota Tourism works with the tourism industry to increase awareness of the economic contributions of the tourism industry. Tourism impacts so many Minnesotans, especially in our area. By investing in tourism marketing, we can make Minnesota a priority destination, help our tourism industry create jobs, and generate new tax dollars.
In addition, I was appointed to the Permanent School Fund Advisory Committee. When Minnesota became a state in 1858, the federal government granted sections 16 and 36 of every township, or their equivalent, to the State for the use of schools. The Minnesota Constitution established the Permanent School Fund (PSF) to ensure a long-term source of funds for public education in the state. The PSF consists of the accumulated revenues generated from the land. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for managing the school trust land.
The Permanent School Fund Advisory Committee (PSFAC) reviews DNR land management policies, advises DNR on the management of trust land, and recommends necessary changes in statute, policy, and implementation in order to insure provident utilization of the permanent school fund lands.
These lands belong to the school children of Minnesota. We have every obligation to manage these lands properly and ensure that our children and their schools receive as much money from them as possible. I will continue to work and support efforts to do just that.
Please feel free to contact me with your ideas, questions, or concerns on the governor’s budget or on any other issue. With your help, I am confident that we will be able to craft a final budget that works for all Minnesotans. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 and by email at rep.john.ward@house.mn. It’s an honor to continue to serve you in the legislature. You can also follow me on Twitter and “Like” my Facebook page for updates.
Sincerely,
Representative John Ward
District 10A