Dear Neighbors,
Last Friday, special session negotiations resumed between Gov. Dayton and legislative leaders.It is essential we work with urgency to wrap up unfinished business, and compromise is needed to accomplish our work.
It’s likely any special session won’t happen until mid-August at the earliest. September has also been mentioned. I’m more hopeful now than a few weeks ago that we can reach a compromise and get this done.
State Budget
Fiscal Year 2016 concluded on June 30, and according to Minnesota Management and Budget, revenues exceeded the amount from the February budget forecast by $230 million. While economic growth has slowed a bit, our economy is still in a solid position.
Even so, economic uncertainty means we need to be fiscally judicious, and should be cautious going into 2017. I look forward to more discussions about this as we approach January.
New Laws
July 1 is the start of Minnesota’s Fiscal Year. As a result, many state programs will receive continued funding or increases for vital state services. August 1stis the day many new policy provisions become law.
A summary of selected new laws that took effect July 1, 2016, can be accessed at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/leginfo/0716nlrelease.pdf
A complete summary of all laws passed by the 2016 Legislature is available online from the House Public Information Services Office at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/newlaws/#/search/2016
Last Update
This will be my last update until after the November elections. A state law prohibits legislators from using state resources to proactively send out information to constituents 60 days after the Legislature adjourns in an election year. I still, however, can respond to e-mails, letters or phone calls sent to me by constituents.
So please, don’t hesitate to contact me with any issues, questions or concerns. I look forward to visiting with you in person over the coming months.
Sincerely,
Paul