St. Paul, Minnesota — The 2014 Legislative Session began today, with state Representatives John Ward (DFL – Baxter) and Joe Radinovich (DFL – Crosby) looking to build on the progress made during the 2013 Legislative Session.
“We accomplished a lot of great things for the people of Minnesota last session — all-day K, college tuition freeze, job creation measures, and direct property tax relief among them — and we’re ready to build on that work this year,” said Rep. Ward. “We’re moving forward, but we know we have more work to do for Minnesota’s middle-class.”
“Unlike this time last year, Minnesota is in a much better position,” said Rep. Radinovich. “Last year we were facing a $627 million deficit and a state reeling after a decade of disinvestment. Instead of shortsighted stopgap measures, we balanced the budget honestly and paid back our schools while investing in Minnesota. And now, our economy is growing and our future is brighter.”
The House suspended the rules to pass legislation chief authored by Rep. Radinovich to increase funding to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The bill would appropriate $20 million from the state’s General Fund for fiscal year 2014 and any unspent funds as of June 30, 2014 would return to the General Fund. Minnesota’s propane shortage amidst high demand led to skyrocketing prices and increased applications for energy assistance.
“Without this legislation, this critical program will run out of funding in early March,” said Rep. Radinovich. “As another round of extreme cold hits the state, we need to make sure that every Minnesotan can heat their home and can get assistance if they need it. This is another instance where Minnesotans will come together to help those in need.”
“I’ve heard a lot from constituents on this important issue and am very pleased we were able to take action today,” added Rep. Ward, a co-author on Radinovich’s bill.
On the first day of session the House Taxes Committee was meeting to discuss middle-class tax relief through federal tax conformity and the repeal of business-to-business taxes, including the warehouse tax, farm equipment repair tax, and the telecommunications equipment tax.
“Middle-class tax relief and repealing some business-to-business taxes has drawn broad bipartisan support,” said Rep. Ward. “It’s also important that we maintain a structurally and honestly balanced budget — which is a top priority for Minnesotans. If the current projected surplus holds, we will be able to get this done in a fiscally responsible manner.”
Legislators will also be working to pass a statewide bonding bill. Because bonding bills require a three-fifths majority, the bill will need bipartisan support.
“We’ll be working together on a number of important local infrastructure projects, including the extension of Brainerd city water services to the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport,” added Rep. Ward. “Bonding builds and improves the long-term infrastructure our communities and businesses need to be successful.”
Another focal point will be an increase in the state’s minimum wage. Minnesota’s current minimum wage is $6.15, while the federal minimum wage is $7.25. Only two states — Georgia and Wyoming — have a lower minimum wage than Minnesota.
“Increasing the minimum wage will help grow our economy,” said Rep. Radinovich. “Much of the evidence and study on this suggests that when more low-income workers have money in their pockets they spend it in their communities, which grows our economy. The increased wages can also get low-income families off public assistance programs.”
Expanding rural broadband is crucial to the growth and economic vitality of Greater Minnesota and will likely be another initiative of the 2014 Session.
“Broadband can help businesses expand and compete in today’s global economy, provide new educational opportunities, and help patients connect with their doctors,” added Rep. Radinovich. “Right now, we're not meeting our goals. A telecom reform bill is being worked on that may address some of the causes holding up access to high-speed internet.”
Finally, Governor Dayton has deemed the 2014 Session as the “Unsession,” a chance to make state government more efficient and better serve taxpayers. Rep. Radinovich introduced legislation to ease state regulations on soup and chili cook-offs. The Crosslake Chamber’s Annual Chili Cook-Off has been hurt by excessive health regulations that require the chili needed to be cooked on-site.
“My bill is common-sense legislation,” said Rep. Radinovich. “I think consumers understand that going to a chili cook-off is different from a restaurant and it’s a situation where I don’t think government needs to protect people from themselves. I’m hopeful we can move this bill forward as part of the ‘Unsession.’”
Reps. Ward and Radinovich encourage constituents to contact them with questions, comments, or concerns. Ward can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 or by email at rep.john.ward@house.mn. Rep. Radinovich can be reach by phone at 651-296-2365 or email at rep.joe.radinovich@house.mn.