Dear friends,
Budget Surplus
On Friday, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released the
February economic forecast. The report indicates the strength of our economy and reveals whether our state has a budget surplus or deficit. I am happy to report that we received good news.
Minnesota’s economy is improving, we are creating more jobs and wages have increased slightly. The report shows our state budget has improved, and we now have a projected $1.9 billion surplus. The surplus is due to a multitude of factors, including higher revenues, reduced government spending and a general improvement in Minnesota’s economy.
Despite our progress, there is more work to do to improve economic security for hardworking Minnesotans. I look forward to working to implement bipartisan legislation that increases economic opportunity for people across Minnesota.
Improving Voting Amongst Young Minnesotans
This session, I am cosponsoring a bill,
HF 391, with Rep. Dean Urdahl (R – Grove City) that would allow 16 and 17 year olds to pre-register to vote. Currently, the voter turnout rate of young people is very low. In 2014’s general election, 18-29 year olds comprised only 13% of the nationwide voting public. The involvement of young people in the political process is vital to the future success of our state, and this measure is a step to improve engagement among younger citizens. Studies show that a pre-registered voter is more likely to vote, and a person who votes at 18 is more likely to make voting a lifelong priority.
The bill would allow preregistered teens to be added to the voter roles and be eligible to vote the day they turn 18. The bill does not allow people younger than 18 to vote, and the author noted that protections exist—and were actually improved last legislative session—to maintain accurate voter rolls. The Secretary of State supports this bill, and there is broad bipartisan support behind this effort to get young people more involved in the political process. This idea for this bill came from an Eagan constituent—a great example of how citizens can make a difference!
Behind the Scenes
I am often asked if bipartisanship still exists at the Minnesota Capitol. My Minnesota answer? You betcha! This session, my colleagues from across the aisle have taken up bills that I have carried in the previous session, and I'm supporting them as a coauthor. Issues like the
Homeless Youth Act and
regulation of e-cigarettes continue to be championed in the new majority thanks to bipartisanship. Too often the public sees the political theater which can be loud and divisive. It's good to remember that there is a lot of work happening for the people of this state when Republicans and Democrats see eye-to-eye. I look forward with working with both Republicans and Democrats to find bipartisan solutions and to accomplish the work our communities sent us to St. Paul to do.
Eagan Happenings
Emerald Ash Borer info meeting
Serve your community as part of an Advisory Commission
The City of Eagan is taking applications for a number of advisory commission positions. If you are looking for opportunities to be more involved in the community and you’re interested in being a voice for your neighbors, this is a great opportunity. Applications are due by March 20. Position descriptions and an application form can be found here:
http://www.cityofeagan.com/index.php/about-eagan/commissions.
As always, please contact me anytime during the legislative session with your input. I can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4128 or by email at
rep.laurie.halverson@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Laurie Halverson
State Representative