Dear Neighbors,
The 2022 legislative session is set to begin in less than two weeks as lawmakers are making final preparations for what’s sure to be another busy year at the capitol. There are several issues that will be addressed during this year’s session. Here’s a brief rundown of a few items that will likely be at the forefront.
Public Safety
With Minneapolis and St. Paul meeting or exceeding new records for murders, carjackings up by double digits, and the nightly news flooded with stories of crime, assaults and more, it is clear that public safety will be a top issue this year.
That’s why I am committed to work on solutions to address the crime wave and to make sure that law enforcement has the tools they need to keep our communities safe and secure.
This includes, among other things, enforcing laws that are already on the books. Light sentences or even a failure to charge some criminals has resulted in a higher number of repeat offenses. In fact, according to data from the Department of Corrections, roughly one-fourth of incarcerated offenders released each year have returned to prison with a new felony conviction within three years of release.
This is unacceptable.
Tax Relief
Minnesota is sitting on the largest budget surplus in state history with more than $7.7 billion in excess funds.
While government is flush with cash, Minnesotans are still struggling with inflation at thirty-year highs, gas prices up 50% or more, and sticker shock on their energy bills.
This record-setting surplus gives us an opportunity to lower taxes and help make Minnesotans' lives more affordable while preventing Governor Walz and Democrats from raising taxes. I also want to use surplus to replenish the unemployment fund rather than allow a tax increase on our small businesses trying to recover from COVID.
I will work hard this session to make sure the surplus is returned to taxpayers. The road ahead will be difficult with Governor Walz in the Governor’s Mansion and Democrats controlling the Minnesota House of Representatives, but you can count on me to fight for your pocketbooks in St. Paul.
Empowering Parents
Our schools work best when parents are involved in the education of their children. That’s why it is so important to push back against divisive political curriculum we’ve seen emerge in certain school districts and instead focus efforts on improving academic achievement for students in key areas like reading, writing, and math.
This session, I am committed to keeping kids in the classroom, increasing parental involvement in their child’s education, promoting transparency in curriculum, improving student achievement, and keeping politics out of the classroom.
Staying in Touch
There are many more items that will be addressed during the upcoming session. I encourage you to reach out to me to share your questions and priorities for this year’s session. It would be great to hear from you!
I can be reached at 651-296-4229 or via email at rep.glenn.gruenhagen@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Glenn