Students from the University of Minnesota Duluth (my alma mater!) visit the Capitol for Bulldog Day. Pictured with Student Body President Mike Kenyanya, Nick Leonard, Makayla Ernst, and Azrin Awal.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.
In this Issue:
- Budget Forecast
- MNLARS Update
- Community Events
- Peppin’s MinnTriv
Budget Forecast
On Wednesday, the February economic forecast was released, showing our state has a $329 million surplus and that our economy is doing well thanks in large part to Republican-led tax relief at the state and federal levels. The forecast also shows an estimated surplus for Fiscal Years 2020-21.
The $329 million surplus marks a more than half a billion dollar improvement from November, and shows the greatest three month turnaround in two decades. Positive indicators in employment, revenue, incomes, and reduced government expenditures all are signs of a healthy and strong economy.
As the legislative session progresses there will undoubtedly be more discussion about how surplus dollars will be used.
MNLARS (Minnesota Licensing and Registration System) Update
This week, a bill was introduced by the House Transportation Finance Chair that would require the Dayton Administration to find the first $10 million it claims to need immediately for MNLARS from already allocated money within the executive branch.
I believe this is a commonsense, responsible solution that would protect taxpayers and demonstrate that the Administration is taking responsibility for this failure.
Lawmakers and taxpayers are both rightly wary of dedicating more money to fix MNLARS without a better picture of how that funding will solve the problems with our new licensing system. In total, the Dayton Administration has requested an additional $43 million for MNLARS.
Community Events
It’s Fish Fry Season!
The Rogers Lions are hosting fish and shrimp fry Fridays on March 2 (tonight) and March 16 from 5-8 p.m. at the Rogers Community Room, 21201 Memorial Drive in Rogers. Menu includes fish, shrimp, fries, baked potato and macaroni and cheese. Cash bar and family friendly beverages also available. Price is $13 for adults and $6 for kids 10 and under.
The Mary Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus are hosting fish dinners on Friday, March 9 and Friday, March 23. Menu includes baked or deep fried fish, macaroni and cheese, baked potatoes, baked beans, cole slaw, dinner rolls, cookies and beverages. Cost is $11 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under and $2 for under age 5. Dinner will be served from 5-7 p.m. at the church located at 21304 Church Avenue in downtown Rogers.
Seniors Bingo
Join in the bingo fun on Monday, March 12 from 1-3 p.m. at the Rogers Senior Center on Main Street in Rogers. Cards are $0.25 each and many different games are played with cash prizes. Bring friends and neighbors and meet other seniors in our area.
Peppin’s MinnTriv
Thank you to everyone who participated in the last Peppin’s MinnTriv Question. Here is last week’s question: What is the official state gemstone? The answer is the Lake Superior Agate.
Congratulations to Shari Germscheid from Maple Grove who is last week’s winner.
Here is this week’s question:
This well-known 3M product was invented in St. Paul by Richard Drew in the 1930s.
The SEVENTH correct response will be featured in the next email update.
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In order to best represent our communities, I need to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time. My direct line is 651-296-7806. My email address is rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn and my mailing address is Room 459 State Office Building, 100 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Joyce
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/34A