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Greetings from the Capitol,
Your Minnesota Legislature is diligently working to complete the state’s budget. We are one week ahead of schedule of where the Legislature is normally at during this point of session and we have been making good progress. The House and Senate came together in conference committees over the past two weeks and resolved the discrepancies between each budget proposal. We are now in the process of sending the budget bills to the Governor for his action. Every budget bill includes provisions that the Governor has expressed as his priorities for the session, so I am hopeful for a willingness from him to negotiate a compromise with the Legislature that benefits all Minnesotans.
The Legislature’s budget provides $1.1 billion of tax relief to middle class Minnesotans, more than $1 billion in new expenditures to our schools, and a $5.5 billion long-term transportation plan that repairs and improves our roads and bridges. During the campaign, I consistently heard from people in our community who want to see the state accomplish more in improving our transportation infrastructure with current resources, and I agree with this sentiment. In a time when the state is experiencing such a large surplus, it is not reasonable for state government to ask Minnesotans to reach deeper into their pockets for more money.
The House and Senate transportation plan will be funded through current taxes on auto parts, auto rentals, and motor vehicle lease sales, as well as through bonding money. While the Governor’s requests to increase the gas tax, increase motor vehicle registrations fees, and enact a metro area sales tax are not included in this bill, many of his other requests are included. One of the Governor’s provisions included in this bill that impacts our community is increased funding to pay down Metro Transit’s operating deficit to ensure bus service in our area is not reduced. The House and Senate transportation plan also contains some very important reforms, including requiring increased efficiency for the Department of Transportation. It is the job of the Legislature, especially the House, to find ways for state government to operate more efficiently; this bill helps in accomplishing that task.
This weekend is the Governor’s Fishing Opener in St. Cloud, and House and Senate leaders plan to join him. I hope the relaxed atmosphere can lead to good discussions and collaboration.
Contact Me:
For any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-0141 or rep.randy.jessup@house.mn.
Thank you for allowing me to represent you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
