St. Paul, Minnesota — The 2014 Legislative Session began today, with state Representative Mary Sawatzky (DFL – Willmar) looking to build on the progress made during the 2013 Legislative Session.
“We made a lot of progress last session including paying back our schools, passing all-day K, a college tuition freeze, job creation measures, and direct property tax relief,” said Rep. Sawatzky. “Our economy is growing and we’re moving forward, but we know we have more work to do to ensure our middle class can grow and prosper.”
Last session the legislature was facing a $627 million deficit and $800 million in debt to Minnesota schools. Now all of the money borrowed from schools has been paid back and the state has a projected $825 million budget surplus. Minnesota also gained nearly 45,000 jobs in 2013 and has fully regained the jobs lost during the Great Recession.
The House suspended the rules to pass emergency legislation increasing funding for the state’s 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. Cold weather combined with Minnesota’s propane shortage led to skyrocketing prices and increased applications for energy assistance. Without additional funding, the program will run out of money in March.
“In our terribly cold winters, every Minnesotan needs to be able to heat their home, regardless of their financial situation,” said Rep. Sawatzky. “In Minnesota we come together to help those in need, and I’m glad we did so again today.”
On the first day of session the House Taxes Committee was also 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.
“These proposals have drawn broad bipartisan support,” said Rep. Sawatzky. “As we work for middle-class relief and repeal of business-to-business taxes we need to maintain a balanced budget. If the projected surplus holds, we will be able to get this done in a fiscally responsible way.”
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.
“Bonding improves infrastructure our communities and businesses need to be successful over the long term,” added Rep. Sawatzky. “I’ll continue advocating for local projects including repairs at Ridgewater College and an extension of Glacial Lakes Trail, among others.”
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.
“Many of the people on public assistance are working minimum wage jobs,” said Rep. Sawatzky. “By increasing the minimum wage, these families will have more money in their pockets and can hopefully get off public assistance, saving the state money while boosting our economy because when more low-income workers have money in their pockets they spend it in their communities.”
Finally, Governor Dayton has deemed the 2014 Session as the “Unsession,” a chance to make state government better serve taxpayers.
“This is an excellent opportunity to get rid of outdated laws and pass other reforms that will improve how government works for Minnesotans,” said Rep. Sawatzky. “I’m hopeful we can work together to make government more efficient.”
Rep. Sawatzky encourages constituents to contact her with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas. Rep. Sawatzky can be reached by phone at 651-296-6206 or by email at rep.mary.sawatzky@house.mn. Constituents can also visit Rep. Sawatzky’s AreaVoices blog, legislative page and sign up for email updates.