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. I wanted to provide you with some of the proposals in the governor’s budget along with some context.
First of all, I’m pleased that Governor Dayton has put forward an honest budget that balances without the use of gimmicks or shifts. For too long, we’ve delayed making the tough decisions and the important investments that will lead to a stronger economy and stronger middle class. We must invest in education, from early education through higher education. Ensuring that every Minnesota child can receive a high-quality education will lead to innovation and economic prosperity.
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.
Skyrocketing property taxes have hurt our seniors, businesses, and families over the last several years. We won’t be able to make the necessary investments in things like education and economic development without a more stable tax system. 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, and move goods more efficiently. 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. Over the next several weeks, we’ll dive into the details of the governor’s proposal, listen to constituents, find areas of agreement, and work together to find common-ground on disagreements.
Throughout the legislative session and beyond, please feel free to contact me directly with any questions, comments, or concerns on any legislative issue. You can reach me by phone at (651) 296-2365 or by email at rep.joe.radinovich@house.mn. You can also follow me on Twitter at @joeradinovich. Thank you for the honor of representing you at the Minnesota House.
Sincerely,
Joe Radinovich
State Representative
District 10B