Greetings from the Capitol!
Budget discussions inched forward this week when a couple components of Gov. Mark Dayton’s proposal came to the forefront. Here is a quick synopsis:
GOV’S K-12 BUDGET EXAMINED
A House committee this week reviewed the details of Gov. Mark Dayton's proposed K-12 budget for the next biennium. His bill would increase school spending by $344 million over the next two years with a $52 increase to the per-pupil funding formula. The governor also calls for $44 million to be used in providing opportunity scholarships or “vouchers” that empower parents to send their kids to early childhood programs of their choice.
Dayton's proposal does not pay back the $1.1 billion in delayed K-12 payments until 2017. It also does not provide contingency plans if sequestration – across-the-board federal budget cuts that may go into effect March 1 – takes place as many expect. Many of us would have liked to see the governor’s plan do more to close our state’s achievement gap.
GOV’S TAX BILL RECEIVES VOTE
The governor’s proposed tax bill was on the floor for a procedural vote this week. It was the first opportunity for the full body to cast up or down votes on the $3.7 billion in taxes he is seeking. I voted against this bill for many reasons, but it did pass the House and is continuing to move through the committee process.
I have heard from families, business owners and other citizens from throughout the district who have indicated opposition to these tax increases, whether it is specific components or in total. Our economy is improving and our state has generated a combined $2.5 billion more in revenue the last 15 months or so than previously projected. A number of people have expressed to me they are concerned the governor’s tax increases could deal our economic recovery a severe setback.
We will receive a new economic forecast next Thursday and that will help us shape the new budget. It will be up to the new majority to decide what components of the governor’s plan they want to include in finance bills and what will be abandoned.
I will keep you posted as things unfold in St. Paul. And, as always, I welcome your input on these and other issues.
Have a good weekend!
Tara