Dear Neighbors,
The 2016 Legislative Session is now down to its final hours, with the deadline for passing bills coming at midnight tomorrownight. It is expected that we will be in session working all weekend collaborating to arrive at a conclusion as important issues remain unresolved. I’d like to update you on the status of some of these topics.
Transportation
For the second year in a row, transportation was to be the top topic of the session. Unfortunately, it appears not much progress has been made toward a compromise both with regard to how to fund a long-term comprehensive transportation bill, and in which ways the money is to be invested. I think it’s important for a transportation bill to take care of roads and bridges, transit, and biking and walking infrastructure. I’ve also worked hard on a bipartisan basis to include reforms in our transportation system, including performance targets to ensure we deliver the greatest value to Minnesotans. I hope we can come to a long-term, sustainable conclusion on this issue before midnight tomorrow, but unfortunately time is running out quickly.
Bonding
Thursday, we took up the House Majority’s proposed bonding bill for capital investments in public infrastructure. Traditionally in the even year of a biennium, we work all session to put together a bill that can pass with broad bipartisan support, as the constitution requires a three-fifths majority to pass it. Unfortunately, the House Majority didn’t release their version of bill until Tuesday evening of this week.
The amount proposed in this bill ($800 million), was significantly less than what came from Gov. Dayton ($1.5 billion) and the State Senate ($1.5 billion). While we can clearly disagree as to the right amount, with low interest rates it makes sense to pass a sizable bill to take care of the many needs at our college campuses, at our correctional facilities and security hospitals, and wastewater treatment plants, to name a few. Another problem with the bill was that it was put together in a partisan manner that left many of Minnesota’s priority needs unmet. With time running out, I hope we can, with public input and transparency, pass a bonding bill taking care of the most important needs of the state.
Taxes
A framework of an agreement on tax bill was reached yesterday afternoon between House and Senate conferees and it contains about $275 million of tax relief and cuts over the next year. Details are still being worked out, but I’m pleased that it appears the most expensive, government spending giveaways to corporate special interests have been shelved this year, and I am pleased some of the bills I authored to help working Minnesotans, middle class Minnesotans, families and veterans are included in the tax bill. Some positive items included in the bill are a student loan tax credit, expansion of the child and dependent care credit and the credit for past military service, to name a few. More information will be forthcoming on this soon.
As we approach adjournment, I remain committed to taking actions which strengthen our communities and benefit all Minnesotans. Please remain in touch with your input; it’s an honor to represent you and the community I grew up in at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative