Greetings from the Capitol!
This week, House Republicans laid out their budget proposal for the next two years, including a new plan to fund transportation projects, and a tax relief bill.
Since I first took office in 2010, the state budget has grown by over $10 billion. Government is growing faster than our bank accounts and Governor Dayton’s solution is to continue the exorbitant growth of expenditures. I am hopeful that with a new Governor being elected in 2018, he or she will be more committed to cutting Minnesotans’ tax rates.
The transportation plan that was introduced invests $6 billion over the next decade, with $2 billion being spent in the next two years alone, without raising the gas tax. I believe that with a $1.6 billion surplus, the Governor and lawmakers should not be proposing to raise your taxes. The bill would be funded through bonds and a re-appropriation of auto-related taxes to be spent exclusively on transportation projects. This bill is a comprehensive and straightforward approach to funding future projects, and I am hopeful for a positive reception from Governor Dayton.
Some key provisions in the bill that benefit Greater Minnesota:
- Dedicates $25 million of funding over the next two years to a small cities assistance program that allocates money to cities with fewer than 5,000 residents for local road improvements
- Creates a special fund of $25 million specifically for bridge projects recommended by MNDOT
- Allocates $35 million for rail grade crossings to improve rail safety
- Requires counties or the County Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) to fund 100% of operating and future capital costs for light rail.
If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-3201 or rep.mary.franson@house.mn. I would love to hear from you.
I truly represent the best!
Sincerely,
