Dear Neighbors,
It’s been a hectic month of January as I have been making final preparations for the 2020 legislative session that is set to begin on February 11th.
No single issue will impact the 2020 session more than the state’s projected $1.3 billion budget surplus. According to experts, a better than expected close to the last biennium, an improved revenue forecast, and a small decrease in estimated spending helped create the billion-plus forecasted surplus.
Additionally, the surplus allows the state to completely fill our rainy day fund. This means Minnesota now has $2.359 billion available the next time we face an economic downturn.
With our budget reserves completely filled, it will be the job of the legislature to determine how the state’s budget surplus should be utilized.
As for myself, I believe that we should do everything we can to return the surplus to hardworking Minnesotans through additional tax relief. An idea to consider would be senior citizen tax relief, specifically eliminating the state law that forces income taxation of Social Security benefits. Other possibilities include reducing healthcare taxes, reductions in income tax, and more.
Given news of the surplus, at least one thing should be crystal clear—now is not the time to expand government spending with new programs. For too long, government has grown at an exponential rate; demanding more and more taxes from citizens, while producing less and less return on their “investment”.
Other issues that will likely be addressed during the 2020 session include:
- Gun Laws: last session, House Democrats passed two controversial gun laws that seriously infringe on the rights of law-abiding gun owners and made a mockery of due process. Thankfully, neither bill became law due to opposition in the Republican-led Senate. As a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment, I was proud to vote no on both of these bills and plan to vote against them if they resurface again during this year’s session.
- Accountability at DHS: this summer, we learned about significant issues at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) related to fraud, waste, and abuse. I will continue to advocate for reforms and accountability at the agency this session.
- Safety in our Cities: the legislature will likely examine safety proposals to address rising levels of crime and violence on Metro Transit light rail trains, stations, and in the Twin Cities metro area.
These are just a few of the issues that I anticipate being discussed this year. Many, many more will be addressed during this year’s session. Please be sure to reach out to me to share your thoughts, questions, concerns, and priorities. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-8237 or via email at rep.brian.daniels@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Brian