Dear Neighbors,
With just over a week left of session, I wanted to make sure to update you on what’s happening in St. Paul. We’re moving forward on what’s important to Minnesotans: making sure we fund our roads and bridges.
Road and Bridge Funding
After declaring the gas tax dead at the end of 2015, Governor Dayton is once again pushing to increase taxes on middle-class Minnesotans. With a $900 million surplus, we can improve and expand our state’s roads and bridges, and not take any more of your paycheck to do so. Earlier today, many of my Republican colleagues urged the governor to drop his tax increase, and provide the funding Minnesotans demand. The state has a surplus and shouldn’t take more of your family’s budget.
Bill Passes House
This week, my bill, SF2498, passed on a unanimous vote of 127-0. The legislation assists those with co-occurring mental health disorders and chemical dependency. The bill instructs medical staff who perform chemical dependency assessments to also test for mental health disorders. Now passed by the House and Senate, SF2498 heads to Governor Dayton’s desk for a signature.
I’m encouraged to see unanimous support for this bill, and look forward to the governor signing it into law. Finding ways to better treat mental health issues and chemical dependency is important for the future of our state.
Please Contact Me
As always, please contact me to talk about any legislation we’re discussing in the final days of session, or any other matters to which I can be of assistance. You can call or email my office any time, and I’ll get back to you.
Enjoy the weekend,
Tony