Dear Friends and Neighbors,
While the mild temperatures are still with us, the winter enthusiasts are hoping for some significant snow soon (count me in this group!). So while we wait for snow, here’s an update from our Capitol this week.
Budget Forecast
The news coverage and discussions in our local coffee shops and restaurants continued this week about the recently announced $1.871 billion budget surplus. You can read more from my press release here. I appreciate hearing all of the ideas and perspectives on the spending and scope of our state government, and the efficiency in which our government deliveries services.
Of the $1.206 billion that can be used for spending in this upcoming legislative session, a summary of the ideas that I have received include spending on transportation – specifically roads, bridges, and busing – as well as tax relief and a skilled workforce.
Our challenges with transportation are not just related to funding. While spending a significant portion of the surplus on critical transportation projects impacting our roads, bridges, and rapid bus lines will improve the transportation in the metropolitan area and throughout our state, we also need to enhance the ongoing funding needs of transportation without raising taxes. Earlier this year, Republicans in the House of Representatives introduced a plan to invest $7 billion new dollars over 10 years without raising taxes on gasoline or sales. This type of new funding must happen to keep up with our infrastructure needs – our current spending on transportation just isn’t enough to keep our roads and bridges safe.
Additionally, we need to change the process in which transportation projects are delivered. The current approval process is hampered with unnecessary oversight and duplication. Our state would benefit from more roads and bridges being built, improved, and repaired. The Department of Transportation and the Met Council have duplicate transportation development, approvals, and involvement that hamper our ability to implement projects in the most efficient and cost-effective method.
PARNASSUS Preparatory School
This week I appreciated visiting the Parnassus charter school in our district to discuss the challenges our educators face in delivering a world-class education for our children. The testament of the educators at Parnassus, as well as the other educators we have in our school district, demonstrates how blessed we are.
Happy Hanukkah
A happy Hanukkah to all my friends and neighbors who celebrate the holiday!
Please continue to contact me in regard to the surplus funds and any other topic. You can reach me via email at Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, by phone at (651) 296-5502, or US mail at 13570 Grove Drive, #370, Maple Grove, MN, 55311.
Enjoy your weekend!
Dennis