Dear Neighbors,
This past week has been another busy one, with the DFL House leadership releasing its budget framework, gun control issues on the front burner, and the introduction of my bi-partisan “party bus” bill designed to protect our youth.
The Minnesota House DFL has made it clear in its budget framework that education is the key to our future by committing to make significant, smart, accountability based investments ($700 million) in early childhood through post-secondary education to improve outcomes for our learners. This budget framework also pays back the full $854 million that has been borrowed from our schools. You know that this has been my commitment, as I am the author of House File 1, which pays back our schools.
This budget also includes property tax relief for Minnesota families ($250 million) and smart investments in jobs and economic development ($46 million). Property taxes have risen 86% in Minnesota in the last ten years and the House proposal provides $250 million in property tax relief to homeowners.
In addition, in response to the message from many of you that the state needs to balance its budget without shifts or gimmicks, the $627 million dollar deficit predicted in the FY 12-15 budget cycle is addressed using both revenue and spending cuts. Moving forward, our state budget will be structurally balanced for FY 16-17.
Keeping our teenagers safe is a concern of all Minnesotans. With bi-partisan support and in collaboration with Minnetonka Police Chief Racquet and the organization Tonka Cares, I brought forth legislation that would require an adult over twenty five be present when underage students charter a limousine or bus. Both Chief Racquet and Imogene Davis from Tonka Cares gave strong testimony pointing out the necessity of ensuring that our teenagers have supervision in these situations. The bill passed out of committee with a unanimous vote and is now on the general registry to be heard by the full House. Senator Bonoff is carrying the bill in the state Senate.
While I have been dealing with the priorities above, gun control issues have taken the headlines. This past week Rep Paymar abandoned his bill with its plan for universal background checks. Rep. Hilstrom has a bill that is closely aligned with the recommendations of Sheriff Stanek and the sheriff’s association, and we will likely be considering something similar to this bill on the House floor. I will continue to monitor this situation closely and welcome your continued input.
Finally, I was honored to speak at the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Rally at our state Capitol this past week as the author of legislation that would allow teachers to earn credit toward their continuing licensure by taking courses that allow them to better identify and support students with mental issues such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The people I met were wonderful, and the cause is great.
The legislature will be on spring/Passover/Easter break next week. If you celebrate either of these holidays, I wish you a joyous holiday. As always, thank you for the honor of being your voice in St. Paul.
Best,
Yvonne
Representative Yvonne Selcer, 48A