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Legislative News and Views - Rep. John Lesch (DFL)

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Capitol Update - March 1, 2018

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

Last week the 2018 legislative session got underway. We have a tremendous amount of work ahead of us this year before our adjournment in the middle of May. As is the case usually in the second year of a legislative biennium, we’re likely to focus on passing a public works bonding bill to invest in infrastructure throughout the state. Serving on the House Taxes Committee, it’s apparent we’re also going to spend significant time on consequences of the Trump federal tax bill which passed back in December. Instead of focusing on helping the ultra-rich and big corporations, I’m committed to ensuring working families don’t get socked with tax increases next year.

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Tuesday, I sat in on a hearing of the House Public Safety Committee which heard evidence on the backlog of rape kits in Minnesota. A 2015 audit showed 3,482 untested rape kits were in police custody, an alarming number requiring action be taken. I’m cosponsoring a bill which would establish statewide standards to protect victims of these especially terrible crimes.

Budget Forecast Released

Yesterday, Minnesota Management and Budget released its February Economic Forecast, which projects a $329 million surplus this session. Short-term revenue gains from the Trump tax bill and Congress’s action to, finally, authorize funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program are two main reasons for the surplus.

With such a modest amount on the bottom line, we need to be extraordinarily cautious moving forward. Especially with such uncertainty at the federal level, we could find ourselves in a deficit before we realize it. Allowing this would be irresponsible, threatening the economic outlook both for our state and Minnesota families.

Gun Violence Prevention

A school in Parkland, Florida was home to another senseless, tragic event caused by gun violence. Last week we saw hundreds of Minnesotans rally at the Capitol seeking action on common-sense bills to prevent these events.

It’s a sad reflection that in the wake of such awful losses, it’s been difficult to move forward on these policy changes. There are simple measures we can take, like expanded criminal background checks, and helping law enforcement and family members to keep guns away from people who pose a danger to themselves or others. Both of these can save lives.

Minnesotans deserve meaningful action to keep our community safe. I’ve heard from you and I’m committed to delivering that.

Minnesota’s Graduation Rate Increases

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Education released the 2017 high school graduation rates. Statewide, this number was at 82.7 percent, an all-time high. Data also shows progress has been made in reducing disparities between white students and those of color, with the gap shrinking 9 percentage points in the last five years.

We still have too many students who don’t receive a diploma. There’s more work to do to ensure all students – regardless of cultural background, family economic situation, or zip code – all have an equitable opportunity to achieve academic success.

Legislative Survey

With the session having started, I’m interested in learning your thoughts on a variety of important issues. Please take a minute or two to take my2018 Legislative Survey online here. I look forward to hearing what you think.

Congrats to Olympic Athletes

I want to give a quick shout out to the wonderfully talented Minnesotans who traveled to South Korea proudly representing Team U.S.A. The New York Times summed it up best: “Team U.S.A.? More Like Team Minnesota.” A hearty congratulations goes to all of these dedicated folks, and we should all be proud of their accomplishments.

Please keep in touch throughout the session. Feel free to call or email me anytime.

Sincerely,

John Lesch

State Representative