Cheers! Lakeville Neighbors,
In the midst of this Holiday season, I thank you for your support and the privilege to represent a truly outstanding community.
While legislative session doesn’t officially being until February, we have been busy with interim meetings and tours. I am committed to working hard to be Lakeville’s voice at the Capitol on a variety of issues.
Elected Chair
Earlier this week, the Joint Legislative Commission on Metropolitan Government elected me to serve as the Chairperson of the group. This commission oversees the Metropolitan Council's operating and capital budgets, work program, and capital improvement program and makes recommendations to the Metropolitan Council and to the legislature.
It is a tremendous honor to be elected by my peers to serve as chair of this important, bi-cameral commission that provides oversight to the Metropolitan Council. I will continue to working across party lines to improve how things operate and to be effective.
There have been a handful of news reports in the local media detailing the dramatic spike in crime on the light rail trains and platforms this year. This news report from Fox 9 shared staggering crime statistics that showed that there were 59 aggravated assaults at Metro Transit light rail stations through July 31st of this year. In contrast, there were 52 in all of 2018 and 41 in 2017.
Minnesotans deserve to feel safe when using the transit system and as Chair, I am committed to placing a renewed emphasis on improving safety on public trains and buses.
$1.3 Billion Budget Surplus
Last Thursday, it was announced that Minnesota is projected to have a $1.3 billion budget surplus for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
A large budget surplus thanks to a growing economy and fully funded budget reserves makes clear that Republican-led tax cuts at the federal and state level have put Minnesota on a path to sustained economic prosperity. Our state economic consultants have said that tax cuts generate growth. We should listen to their advice and look at giving much of this surplus back to taxpayers through tax relief as we continue to grow our economy.
Koznick Income Tax Reduction
We made headway during last year’s session to reduce your tax burden when the legislature passed a portion of my bill (House File 174) that I have authored every year since 2015. This bill reduces income tax rates for middle-class families.
It was fulfilling to see a portion of my bill to reduce tax burdens become law this past year and I will continue to lead efforts building on this success in the coming legislative session. When Minnesotans can keep more of their hard-earned money, our families and state economies flourish.
Until next time, wishing you and your family Cheer and Peace and Joy,
Representative Jon Koznick
Assistant Minority Leader