Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.
Budget Negotiations
The House and Senate came to an agreement last week, setting joint budget targets that include $1 billion in meaningful, middle-class tax relief, $372 million in new funding for transportation, and an increased investment of $1.1 billion in our students and schools over the current biennium. With that, conference committees came to agreements on their respective budget bills early this week.
Now I am hopeful Governor Dayton will work with us to find compromise and set three-way budget targets soon. The Legislature is well ahead of schedule from where we were in previous budget years, so I am hopeful we can find agreement on a comprehensive budget before adjournment that best serves the people and priorities of our state.
I will keep you updated as budget negotiations continue.
House File 792 Becomes Law
I am excited to report that this week Governor Dayton signed legislation I spearheaded into law. The bill exempts one and two family dwellings and two-unit townhouses from the sprinkler mandate. This is important because this mandate has resulted in dwindling home construction in areas with high workforce housing needs in Greater Minnesota.
I am pleased it was signed into law because it will help folks across our state!
National Night Out Bill
Also signed into law this week is a bill that permits local units of government to spend and raise money on National Night Out events, or other similar events that improve relations between police and the community.
National Night Out, which was established in the mid-1980s, includes block parties, cookouts and other celebrations in communities across the nation. Events like these are important because they strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and citizens.
Fishing Opener
I am looking forward to attending the 70th Annual Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener which will be held in the Greater Saint Cloud area this year. It will be a great bipartisan event and a lot of fun!
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It’s an honor to be your voice at the Capitol. Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Tama