Dear Neighbors,
Legislative committees are wrapping up work on our finance bills that reflect our values. Next week, we will take a recess to observe the Easter/Passover holiday. When we return, about a month will be remaining to wrap up our work. I’m committed to delivering a final result this session that makes Minnesota work better for everyone.
Here’s an update from the State Capitol.
State of the State
Last week, Governor Tim Walz presented his first State of the State Address. The address was largely based in stories of Minnesotans, highlighting how the work here at the Capitol impacts communities across the state. As we work together this session toward ‘One Minnesota,’ I was impressed by the way the Governor lifted up the voices of Minnesotans to highlight how we can make our state, which is already terrific, even better. The address gave me optimism that looking ahead this session, we can come together to truly solve problems and advance solutions regarding significant issues like education, health care, transportation, and community prosperity.
Historic Investments in Education
For years, we’ve been hearing from Minnesotans that our commitment to schools hasn’t kept pace with what’s been needed to ensure students can reach their full potential. As a result, local property taxpayers have been asked to pay more through bond referendums and operating levies. Some communities have had an easier time than others gaining approval for these, resulting in disparities among school districts.
All children in our state deserve a world-class education, no matter where they live or what they look like. That’s why our DFL E-12 education budget increases the state’s commitment to schools by three percent in the first year, and by two percent in the second year of the biennium. These investments will help schools expand programming, prevent needing to lay off teachers, and keep class sizes down. A fact sheet about the education investments can be found here.
New Higher Education Budget Includes Tuition Freeze
Beyond high school, all Minnesota students should have the opportunity to obtain a degree or receive specialized career training without experiencing unsustainable debt. Minnesota is now ninth in the nation for average student debt amounts; down from the previous ranking of fifth, but still nothing to be proud of. We must do better!
The House DFL Higher Education budget puts students first by making college more affordable, reducing debt, and increasing quality. The budget funds a tuition freeze for students at our public colleges and universities, and increases financial support for working families by investing an additional $35.4 million in the state grant program. A fact sheet with more information about our Higher Education budget is available here.
Investing in Our Infrastructure
The House Capital Investment Committee has assembled our package of public infrastructure investments for the session. It includes $1.5 billion toward roads, bridges, higher education, and many other capital projects around the state. Locally, the Capital Investment budget invests in maintenance projects at Minnesota State Mankato, including at Nelson Hall, the Trafton Science Center, and the campus utility plant. $6.875 for the City of Mankato’s efforts to improve water quality is also included in the package. With interest rates still low, it’s responsible to make these investments now to both strengthen our infrastructure and protect against a potential economic downturn. Here is a full list of the projects included.
Unfortunately, the Senate, currently with a Republican majority, has indicated their reluctance to move forward with a capital investment bill at all this year. I hope we can come together before the end of the session and not let this opportunity to make infrastructure investments go by.
On another infrastructure note, yesterday the Department of Employment and Economic Development announced an investment of $170,850 toward the City of Mankato for the Bridge Plaza redevelopment project. Funding will be used for demolition, soil treatment, and infrastructure costs on the site. A five-story, mixed-use building offering more than 25,000 square feet of commercial space and 14 apartments will be constructed on the site.
Please continue to reach out with your input and ideas. It’s an honor to represent you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Jack Considine
State Representative
Rep. Jack Considine
433 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
www.house.mn/19B
Chair, House Corrections Division
Phone: 651-296-3248
E-mail: rep.jack.considine@house.mn
Legislative Assistant: Adam Kopel, 651-296-4165