Dear Neighbors,
Here is a legislative update from the Capitol with some news on the bonding bill, a pension bill, education funding, and a childcare bill I authored.
Bonding Bill
We received great news from the Capitol last Wednesday as we learned that Governor Dayton signed into law the bonding bill that was passed by the legislature at the end of session. This package features $825 million in general obligation bonds to be used to fund construction projects statewide, such as roads and bridges and water infrastructure. It also dedicates funding for the construction and renovation of veterans homes throughout the state, and sets aside funding for mental health crisis centers.
Included in the bill is $25 million for critical school safety building upgrades – a top priority of mine and House Republicans during the 2018 legislative session. In the wake of the governor’s veto of school safety funding, these dollars are especially important in our schools’ efforts to improve student safety.
While I remain frustrated by the governor’s previous vetoes of two very good bills, his approval of the bonding bill is a big win for Minnesota. The bill is consistent with Minnesotans’ priorities, as it respects taxpayers, will help boost job creation, focuses on local infrastructure needs, and dedicates funding for school safety. I am eager to see the positive impact it will have on communities around the state in the years to come.
Pension Bill
Last week the governor also signed into law our bipartisan pension bill. The legislation is expected to save Minnesota taxpayers $57 million in 2019 and $263 million in the next biennium. According to Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) the proposal will eliminate $3.4 billion from the state's unfunded pension liability. The new law improves the sustainability of pensions for police, firefighters, teachers, and other public employees.
As a member of the Pension Commission, I was a strong supporter of this legislation and was happy to see the governor sign it. Its enactment is good news for Minnesota’s taxpayers and the health of our state’s pension system. Minnesota’s public sector employees do a lot of great work for our state, and it’s important we make this fix to protect Minnesota's credit rating and preserve our pension system for the workers who rely on it.
Education Funding
Building on last year’s historic investment of $1.35 billion in education, House Republicans have continued to advocate on behalf of our schools and students. Last week’s enactment of the bonding and pension bills provides nearly $59 million in education spending for the upcoming year, including the $25 million for school safety and a more secure pension fund for educators. This is despite the governor’s vetoes, which blocked more $225 million (that the governor repeatedly requested) in funding to help schools address budget shortfalls as well as additional dollars for school safety.
Childcare Licensing Reform Bill
The governor also recently signed into law the childcare licensing reform bill I authored and worked on this year. The new law consists of a number of childcare reforms including helping to roll back and bring transparency to state government regulations; reducing redundant paperwork; and requiring the Department of Human Services to study and present a report to the legislature on potential childcare reforms.
The number of licensed childcare providers in Minnesota has decreased by 30 percent, resulting in a severe childcare shortage in our state. Given this gap, this new law is an important step in addressing this problem. I’m glad we were able to get it signed into law this year and I look forward to continuing to work on childcare issues going forward.
Contact Me
As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns that you have on any issue relating to state government. I can be reached via phone at 651-296-5387 or via email at rep.roz.peterson@house.mn.
Sincerely,
