Dear Neighbors,
The legislative session is entering its final weeks, with less than four weeks left until we must adjourn for the year. It’s a busy time, with the final committee deadline, which applies to budget bills, coming this past Friday. There is a lot left for us to do, and here’s an update from the Capitol.
State Budget
The House and Senate majorities have released their budget plans. Instead of investing in the things Minnesotans value, like expanding education opportunities, they’ve indicated plans to prioritize tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy. This is in stark contrast to Governor Dayton’s supplemental budget proposal, which puts regular Minnesotans first. I’ll be working to ensure our state’s core values are reflected in this session’s budget.
Protecting Pre-K Funding
One example of this is our need to protect resources for our youngest learners. Recently I joined Gov. Mark Dayton in calling for protection of pre-kindergarten programs for 4,000 students at more than 59 school districts and charter schools across the state from being eliminated. Unless the Legislature takes action, these opportunities, including some here on the Iron Range, could disappear after next school year.
I’ve seen the success of quality preK at schools like Parkview in Virginia. Considering these results, it’s unacceptable that there’s a potential that opportunities like these throughout the state could disappear.
Where’s the Bonding Bill?
In previous updates, I’ve discussed the need to pass a robust package of public works investments this year. Our higher education institutions, bridges, dams, clean water infrastructure and other state assets are all in need of upkeep. Investments in these projects also provide quality, good-paying jobs.
Governor Dayton released his bonding proposal, totaling $1.5 billion worth of projects, prior to the legislative session. Unfortunately, the Republican majorities of the House or Senate haven’t released their own proposals yet. History has shown that when action on these bills is put off toward the end of the session, disagreements can become irreconcilable, leaving important opportunities on the cutting room floor. With the days slipping away, I hope we can have plans on the table very soon so we can come to a compromise and deliver these critical investments.
Delay in Securing Minnesota’s Pension System
Efforts have been ongoing the last several years to shore up our long-term public employee pension obligations. One bipartisan fix would require workers and employers to put in a bit more, and then payout slightly less to retired workers over time. This fix would go a long way as it cuts Minnesota’s long-term liability in half.
This bill passed the Senate unanimously several weeks ago, but awaits action on the House floor. It’s looking more and more each day like House Republicans are going to hold this solution up for consideration in future budget negotiations. This is a misguided approach. The people who work so hard for us as teachers, police officers, and who fill so many of our state’s vital needs don’t deserve to be treated as political bargaining chips. Pensions are a promise, and I hope we can deliver this economic security soon.
Keep in touch with your input and ideas. It’s an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Jason Metsa
State Representative