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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Lyndon Carlson, Sr. (DFL)

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STATE REP. CARLSON READY TO BEGIN LEGISLATIVE WORK

Monday, January 14, 2013

ST. PAUL, MN –State Representative Lyndon Carlson (DFL - Crystal) was officially sworn in as the District 45A State Representative as the 88th Legislative Session convened at noon on January 8th  at the State Capitol. Rep. Carlson, first elected in 1972, is beginning his 21st term in the Minnesota House of Representatives, serving Crystal, New Hope and Plymouth.

“The State of Minnesota faces many challenges this session," said Rep. Carlson.  “The legislature needs to define clear priorities to balance the budget, invest in our schools and move our state forward.”

Economic forecasts revealed early last month that lawmakers must tackle a $1.1 billion budget shortfall this year. When the money still owed to schools and inflation is included the shortfall rises to over $3 billion.

“The economic forecast does pose a challenge but I believe we can responsibly balance the budget,” added Rep. Carlson. “We have a real opportunity to put Minnesota back on the path to economic prosperity.”

Much of that work will begin in legislative hearings throughout the coming weeks and months. This session Rep. Carlson will serve as Chair of the Ways and Means Committee as well as serve on the Capitol Investment, Property and Local Tax, Rules and Legislative Administration and Tax Committees.

“I’m very excited to get to work on these committees and to work on issues for the residents of Crystal, New Hope, Plymouth and our entire state,” said Rep. Carlson.

The House DFL introduced five major bills on Thursday, January 10th.  The first, HF 1, would make a $550 million payment on the $1.1 billion owed to K-12 schools that was borrowed by the previous legislature, the second would provide property tax relief to middle-class Minnesotans, the third would increase funding for the Minnesota Investment Fund, one of the state’s primary tools to encourage businesses to set up shop in Minnesota, and the fourth would increase funding to the Minnesota Trade Office. The Trade Office works to help Minnesota businesses navigate foreign markets and trade regulations so they can increase their exports and put more Minnesotans to work.  The fifth establishes a health insurance exchange to comply with the federal Affordable Care Act.

“I think the priorities put forth on Thursday address many of the major issues facing the state,” said Rep. Carlson.  “These proposals will improve our schools, help middle-class families and create jobs.”

Throughout the legislative session, Rep. Carlson encourages all constituents to contact him directly with any questions, comments, or concerns on any legislative issue. Rep. Carlson can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4255 or by email at rep.lyndon.carlson@house.mn.

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