Friends,
It is an honor to work for you at the Capitol and to serve as your voice on the many pressing issues facing us today.
Concerned About Pay Increases
My colleagues and I are very concerned about the pay increases Governor Dayton has doled out to his commissioners. These pay increases are the result of a 2013 law passed by the DFL-controlled legislator that gave Governor Dayton the sole authority to increase the pay of his commissioners. Over two years, you, the taxpayer, will be paying $1.3 million for high salaries for agency heads, including pay increases of more than $40,000 for some of his commissioners. I believe that your money could have been better spent hiring more teachers for our classrooms to ensure that our children receive the education they deserve, not giving commissioners $140,000+ salaries with no increase in responsibilities. We are hard at work to try to manage department budgets to account for heavy increases in spending, as well as working to ensure that legislative oversight is given to all future pay increases.
Transportation
One of my top priorities this session is ensuring that you and your family are safe as you travel to and from work and school, to visit friends, or to the great activities we have around Lakeville. Last week, my first authored bill, a transportation bill concerning the allocation of sales tax on leased vehicles, was introduced in the House and referred to the Transportation Policy and Finance committee, where it is awaiting a hearing. I look forward to discussing this and other transportation bills with my colleagues to ensure that you are able to travel easily and safely to all of your destinations in Lakeville and beyond.
Thank you to those of you that have reached out to me to share your thoughts and concerns on the many issues that worry you, your family, and your businesses. I am grateful to represent a district that cares so deeply for the future of our state. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me to discuss your thoughts on legislation or any other matter of which I can be of help. You can schedule an appointment to meet with me in my office by calling my legislative assistant at (651) 296-4375, or email me directly at rep.jon.koznick@house.mn. Make sure that your neighbors stay informed by sending them this link to sign up for my emails.
It’s a privilege to serve you and your family here in Saint Paul.
Rep. Jon Koznick