Greetings from the Capitol!
House-Senate conference committees are now in the process of putting budget bills into finished form so they can receive consideration for final passage. Our focus on the House floor has shifted to policy measures as we wait for the return of those finance bills.
One policy news item from this week came when House Speaker Thissen announced no new gun restriction proposals would be brought forward for a vote this session. We do expect to discuss and debate a bill that would unionize day care providers and personal care attendants as soon as next week.
As we look at all of the large finance bills that have moved forward thus far, an interesting statistic came to light this week. A fellow representative highlighted on the House floor this week that the bills being proposed by the majority party this session alone would create 1,300 new, full-time government jobs.
I am all in favor of expanding Minnesota’s workforce, but this would prove costly for hard-working Minnesota taxpayers. It also counters the efficient, effective government which is necessary for our state to thrive in today’s ultra-competitive economy. My focus is on developing a healthy economy which thrives on financial freedom for our citizens and private sector job growth. Not growth that relies to a greater degree on tax dollars.
If you haven’t done so already, you can weigh in on some of the top issues we face by participating in the legislative survey I have made available online. The input I receive will be very helpful as we prepare to consider important bills for final passage.
As always, I will let you know what transpires in St. Paul and welcome District 57A residents to keep sending me emails with thoughts, ideas and concerns on the issues.
Have a good weekend!
Tara