Dear Neighbors,
Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) yesterday announced the November Economic Forecast which projects a $1.871 billion state budget surplus. Despite a weaker economic outlook, our budget situation has improved from prior estimates. Of the surplus, $594 million is set aside by law to the budget reserve and $71 million to environmental funds, which leaves an available balance of $1.206 billion.
This is good news; it shows our economy is growing, but this growth is slow and not being felt by all Minnesotans. As we make choices concerning this surplus, it’s important that we prioritize Minnesota families – many of whom are still struggling to make ends meet – over corporate special interests by creating more quality jobs with good wages, investing in our students at all levels, and providing property tax relief.
In the 2015 session, we saw countless missed opportunities to deliver for Minnesotans, while House Republicans insisted on prioritizing big business interests and the owners of shopping malls and skyscrapers, many of whom don’t even live in Minnesota. Instead, the tuition freeze for all four-year college students was eliminated, leading to greater student debt burdens. Homeowners and renters will pay higher property taxes because the Republicans failed to pass any property tax relief. With cuts to MinnesotaCare, many working Minnesotans will see health care costs rise. In addition, broadband infrastructure needs saw very little attention, despite bipartisan and statewide support.
We can do better than this, and the 2016 Legislative Session in March will give us a second opportunity to get it right. This will however require a balanced approach with compromise from all sides. With this surplus, it’s time to finally prioritize early learners, college students, homeowners and renters, and small business owners. We can’t just be satisfied with our economy as it currently stands; we must make sure it’s an economy that works for all Minnesotans.
MN Compassionate Care Act Listening Session
I'd also like to take this opportunity to invite you to a listening session regarding the Minnesota Compassionate Care Act this tomorrow, Saturday, December 5 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 118 of the Labovitz School of Business and Economics at UMD. Modeled after Oregon’s 1997 Death with Dignity Act, the Minnesota Compassionate Care Act gives competent, terminally ill adults the freedom to control the time and manner of their imminent death should their suffering become unbearable. I will be joined by Sen. Chris Eaton of Brooklyn Park, chief Senate author of the bill, and Dr. Barbara Elliott and Charlie Bateman, who are both professors at UMD. This is open to the public and there is free parking on campus. I hope you can join me for this conversation.
I invite you to share your ideas with me; feel free to call me or email me any time with your feedback.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Schultz
State Representative