Dear Neighbors,
The pace has picked up in St. Paul as committees are already in full swing and large constituent groups have begun making their annual visits to lawmakers.
I was honored to be visited by a number of local students and residents who took the time to come to St. Paul and speak with me this week.
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Here I am pictured with two students from the University of Minnesota-Morris who took time to speak with me about renewable and existing energy sources.
Dairy Day at the Capitol was this week. Thanks to local dairy producers who made the trip to St. Paul!
I was also visited by local FFA students. Thank you for visiting!
There were many more visitors and it would be impossible to post all the pictures we took. If you are planning on visiting St. Paul this year, please make sure to contact my office to set up a meeting. It would be great to meet with you!
Bringing Aid to our Rural Ambulance Services
Earlier this week, I introduced a piece of legislation that will bring additional funding to rural ambulance services.
HF 3235 would increase Medicare reimbursement rates for ambulances in greater Minnesota by 5 percent. This legislation will, in turn, bring additional aid and funding for improved services for folks in our neck of the woods.
I am excited about this bill and look forward to working with my colleagues to gather support and guide it through the legislative process.
Governor’s Supplemental Budget Proposal
This week, Governor Dayton released his supplemental budget proposal. In his supplemental budget, the governor wants to spend $581 million, provide $117 million in tax relief and leave $202 million on the bottom line.
While there are items in the governor’s budget proposal that are worthy of consideration, I am concerned that he is calling yet again for a gas tax increase. This is the same gas tax increase that raise gasoline by a minimum of 16 cents a gallon.
I find it difficult to explain to Minnesotans that Governor Dayton wants to raise taxes more than $900 million per year when the state has a $900 million surplus. It just doesn’t work.
That’s why I will continue to advocate for a transportation plan that meets our needs without raising the gas tax.
Staying in Touch
Best of luck to the Wheaton/Herman-Norcross girls’ basketball team as they are competing in the state tournament. They have already won a game and we hope there are more in store!
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding state government. I can be reached on my cell phone at 701-361-1909.
You can also reach me at my office in St. Paul by phone at 651-296-4929 or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Enjoy your weekend,
Jeff