Dear neighbors,
This week I was sworn in to represent the newly drawn district 66B, serving Como Park, the North End and Eastside neighborhoods. I am honored and humbled to be the voice of our communities at the State Capitol.
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 and inflation is included the shortfall rises to over $3 billion.
Despite this challenge, I believe that we can responsibly balance the budget and create a solid fiscal infrastructure for years to come. The new DFL House and Senate majorities have a great responsibility to chart a course to put Minnesota on the path to economic prosperity and move our state forward. I am up for the challenge.
This session I am serving as Civil Law Committee Chair. I am also a member of the Judiciary, Public Safety, Rules and Legislative Administration and Tax Committees. It is a heavy workload but I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work on these important issues.
I will be focusing much of my attention on the following issues this session:
Paying Back our Schools
A quality education is the key to economic opportunity for our kids and for our state. Excessive borrowing by previous legislatures has left our schools $2.7 billion in debt. This ridiculous borrowing has forced school districts to take out additional loans, inadvertently taking dollars out of our classrooms. We need to pay back what was borrowed from our schools so that there is more money being spent in the classroom-not on loan interest. Our kids deserve better.
Property Tax Relief
Last year the GOP controlled legislature eliminated the Homestead Credit and property taxes went up $370 million statewide. Skyrocketing property taxes are hurting middle-class families, many of whom are already being squeezed due to the stagnant economy.
New legislation will create the Homestead Credit Refund to provide direct property tax relief to Minnesota homeowners and renters. The Homestead Credit Refund expands the existing Homeowner Property Tax Refund that about 360,000 Minnesotans receive each year. It provides an additional $100 million in property tax relief to middle-class homeowners. In addition to providing property tax relief to homeowners, the bill provides property tax relief to renters by expanding the Renter’s Credit.
Job Creation
Growing jobs and bettering the economy is a top priority this session. New legislation will increase funding for the Minnesota Investment Fund, the state’s main tool in attracting businesses to set up shop in Minnesota. The program has a proven record of job creation and is worth the investment.
There are also plans to expand funding for the Minnesota Trade Office to promote Minnesota’s competitiveness globally. Expanding funding the Trade Office could help us expand economic opportunities to small and medium-sized Minnesota businesses.
Dog and Cat Breeder Regulation
I am the author of legislation that would stop the cruel treatment of dogs and cats by unregulated puppy mills. There have been far too many cases of animals being mistreated by breeders who are motivated by profits instead of the well-being of pets.
My bill will require larger breeders to register with the state and allow the Minnesota board of Animal Health to conduct inspections, mandate veterinarian checks and establish care standards.
Under GOP leadership last year, my bill did not receive a hearing. I am hopeful that this session I can pass this common sense legislation for the well-being of Minnesota dogs and cats.
Throughout the legislative session please feel free to contact me directly with your input, questions and concerns. You can reach me by phone at (651) 296-4224 or by email at rep.john.lesch@house.mn. You can also follow me on Twitter at @johnlesch. Thank you for the honor of representing you in state government.
Sincerely,
John Lesch
State Representative
District 66B