Dear neighbor,
Last week I was officially sworn in as the state representative for District 45A. I am honored and humbled to continue to represent our community at the State Capitol. I am excited to get back to work on behalf of the residents of Crystal, New Hope, Plymouth and our entire state.
Economic forecasts revealed early last month that we’re facing a $1.1 billion budget shortfall this year. When the money still owed to schools is included the shortfall rises to over $2 billion.
Despite this fiscal challenge I believe we can put forth a responsible budget without borrowing or gimmicks. With this responsibility comes a great opportunity to put Minnesota back on the path to economic prosperity.
This session I 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 look forward to serving on these committees and working to find solutions to our state’s problems.
As I see it, the main priorities for this legislative session include improving our schools, helping middle-class families and creating jobs.
Five high-priority bills have been introduced by the House DFL Caucus. 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, HF 2, would provide property tax relief to Minnesotans by creating the Homestead Credit and increasing the Renter’s Credit, the third, HF 3, 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, HF 4, 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, HF 5, establishes a health insurance exchange to comply with the federal Affordable Care Act. Minnesota has historically been a national leader in health care so I believe we need to lead in setting up our own exchange. The exchange will be an online marketplace where individuals, families and small businesses will be able to get quality, affordable health coverage. Minnesota families will save a projected $1 billion by using the exchange, which boils down to between $500 and $1,800 per family, depending on income. Through the exchange, an estimated 300,000 uninsured Minnesotans will gain health care coverage by 2016.
As we move through the legislative session, please contact me directly with any questions, comments, or concerns on any legislative issue. I can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4255 or by email at rep.lyndon.carlson@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Lyndon R. Carlson
State Representative
District 45A
Crystal, New Hope and Plymouth