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Koznick Connection: Legislative Update (May 25, 2018)

Friday, May 25, 2018

Dear Lakeville Neighbors,

The 2018 legislative session adjourned for the year late Sunday evening—marking the end of one of the most productive bienniums in quite some time. I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished, work that represents the values and priorities that matter most to Minnesotans and their families.

Over the course of the final weekend, the legislature approved four bills that reflect these values including a tax/education bill, supplemental omnibus finance bill, bonding bill, and pension bill.

Unfortunately, Governor Mark Dayton vetoed both the supplemental finance bill and the tax/education bill on Wednesday, blocking the first income tax cut in nearly two decades, important school safety funding, funding to help avert a 7% cut for disability services, critical $16 million to combat Opioid abuse and more.

I am incredibly disappointed that Governor Dayton vetoed both the tax conformity and supplemental budget bills. These bills contained a number of items that would have helped millions of citizens all across Minnesota.

Instead of signing these compromise bills into law, Governor Dayton instead decided to play politics. Lakeville residents will specifically lose out on having provisions I authored to extend Metro Mobility Services for Lakeville, support services for vulnerable or homeless youth and consumer protections for people purchasing salvaged autos, in addition to reduced individual income tax rates. Unfortunately scores of Minnesotans will now suffer the consequences of his actions.

In the final week of the legislative session, the legislature had addressed nearly 70% of the specific concerns the governor had outlined in the bills, and provided up to $84 million in new funding for schools ($225 million in total when flexibility measures are added), meeting the governor more than halfway on his key priorities and concerns.

Our education plan included an average of $96 in new per-pupil spending across the state, education dollars the governor repeatedly called an emergency. Now, these schools will receive no new money due to the veto by the governor.

Unfortunately, millions of Minnesotans will have to pay the consequences of his actions. I am hopeful that we will be able to address some of these issues early next year.

Please Contact Me

Please reach out if you have a comment, concern or suggestion. You can reach me at (651) 296-6926 or Rep.Jon.Koznick@house.mn. Also, please forward this email to neighbors or friends that would be interested in keeping up with legislative business.

Have a wonderful weekend,

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Jon Koznick
State Representative, Lakeville, 58A