Dear Neighbors,
We are entering the final weekend of the 2022 legislative session as both the House and Senate must adjourn for the year by midnight on Sunday. There are still many issues that remain unresolved as conference committees continue to meet in hopes of resolving differences between the Senate’s and House’s supplemental budget bills.
I continue my work in the education conference committee where I am advocating for policies that empower parents and help students recover from learning loss due to COVID-19. I am also working hard to make sure that controversial and politically charged curriculum does not make its way into Minnesota classrooms.
Unfortunately, Democrats are pushing for significant increases in spending. In fact, they are trying to push for more than a 15% increase in spending compared to the previous budget — that's more than Democrats spent when they had complete control of state government.
Remember, Minnesota received more than $80 billion in funding from the federal government in COVID relief funding—schools alone received nearly $3 billion in new money.
State government was fully funded last year so there is no need to spend significant dollars on growing the size of government this year. With inflation at its highest levels in 40+ years, Minnesotans need more money in their pockets. That’s why we should provide robust tax relief.
Please keep an eye on your email inbox as I plan to give you a rundown on what happens during the final weekend of the legislative session sometime next week.
Honoring Law Enforcement
This week has been National Police Week here in America. This is a time for us all to honor the men and women in law enforcement. Thank you to Sheriff Don Lorge and deputies from Mille Lacs County, Sheriff Joel Brott and deputies from Sherburne County, and Sheriff Brian Smith and deputies from Kanabec County and who protect Ogilvie as well.
Also, thank you to Princeton Police Chief Todd Frederick and officers, Milaca Police Chief Quinn Rasmussen and officers, Onamia Police Chief Amy Mattison and officers, and Isle Police Chief Mark Reichel and officers
Thank you for your service and sacrifice to keep us and our communities safe!
Staying in Touch
I encourage you to reach out to me with any thoughts, questions, or concerns you may have on issues related to state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-6746 or via email at rep.sondra.erickson@house.mn.
Have a good day,
Sondra