Dear Neighbor,
We have ironed out the details for a series of town hall meetings I will co-host with Sen. Torrey Westrom throughout District 12B March 8-9. The events are open to the public and will take place in an informal setting. I look forward to hearing from local citizens as we discuss a wide variety of legislative issues and whatever else attendees want to address. Hope you can join us.
Here is the schedule:
March 8
Sauk Centre: 1-2:30 p.m., Jitters Java Café, 403 Main St. S.
March 9
Glenwood: 9-10 a.m., Lakeside Ballroom, 180 S. Lakeshore Drive
Melrose: 10:45-11:45 a.m., City Center, 225 1st. St. N.E.
Freeport: 1-2 p.m., Charlie’s Café, 115 Main St. E.
Albany: 2:15-3:15 p.m., Hillcrest Family Restaurant, 1004, Shamrock Lane
ECONOMIC FORECAST
I am sure part of the discussions will pertain to the good news we received in our updated economic forecast this week. It indicates we are projected to have a $295 million positive balance for fiscal year 2012-13.
This is our fourth consecutive positive report, with combined surplus funds of nearly $3 billion since November of 2011. Law dictates how surplus funds must be used when certain conditions exist. We have fully repaid the K-12 shift from 2011 and have replenished reserve accounts. Another $290 million will go toward paying the remaining K-12 debt, leaving an $801 million balance. The other $5 million will be added to our reserves.
We also have significantly reduced the projected shortfall for 2014-15 by $463 million, from $1.1 billion down to $627 million. It is good to see the improvements we made the last two years continue producing results and this proves we can establish a healthy bottom line without needing to raise taxes.
JANET’S LAW
At least two House bills have been introduced to help protect home buyers from exposure to radon gas, including one I authored called Janet’s Law. It would require radon tests during the process of purchasing a home. The Star Tribune did a story on this subject. The article examines the other House bill first and then gets to my proposal toward the end. Click here for the story.
Sincerely,
Paul