Dear neighbors,
Last week marked the beginning of the 2014 Legislative Session. My colleagues and I are already off to a fast start working to build on the progress we made last year.
I testified before three committees last week to talk about legislation I’m authoring this year, including a bill to establish a mediation program for Minnesotans entering foreclosure.
Our first week ended with good news from Minnesota Management and Budget when they released an updated budget forecast showing a $1.23 billion surplus. That’s a big step forward from our fiscal outlook one year ago when Minnesota faced a $627 million deficit and owed our schools over $800 million in debt.
We also recently received a new report from the non-partisan House Research Department that shows statewide property taxes for Minnesota homeowners are decreasing by over $160 million in 2014 thanks in large part to new investments the DFL-led Legislature made in direct property tax relief. Here in Minneapolis, our property taxes are going down by one percent which is an important step in the right direction after more than a decade of property tax hikes.
With the deficit eliminated, school shift paid back in full, and a new honestly balanced state budget investing in priorities like education, job creation, and property tax relief, Minnesota is making important progress.
A $1.23 billion budget surplus means we are well positioned to build on that progress in the year ahead.
To start, we should quickly approve tax cuts for middle class Minnesotans and businesses. The House Taxes Committee has already passed a $500 million tax cut package that repeals three new business-to-business taxes and provides additional tax relief for the middle class by enacting federal tax conformity, which would simplify our state tax code and get rid of unnecessary burdens like the “marriage penalty.” According to the non-partisan House Research Department, eliminating the marriage penalty alone would save 650,000 families an average of $120 per year.
In addition to middle class tax cuts, we need to increase Minnesota’s minimum wage so more people are able to provide for themselves and their families. I was proud to join massive crowds on the first day of Session for a big rally urging legislators to move forward on this key priority.
Another top priority of mine is passing a strong bonding bill that creates jobs by investing in public infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings at our colleges and universities. I’m working hard to secure state dollars to help finance a redesign and reconstruction of Nicollet Mall to ensure a thriving downtown core that attracts and maintains large employers. As a member of the House Capital Investment Committee, I’ll have an opportunity to provide input on other projects and craft a final bill for consideration by our entire chamber.
I look forward to sharing additional updates with you as the 2014 Session continues. Please feel free to get in touch with me about any issue by calling me at (651) 296-8659 or emailing me at rep.raymond.dehn@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Raymond Dehn
State Representative, District 59B