Dear Neighbors,
House Republicans unveiled their budget targets on Monday, which were then adopted by the House Ways and Means Committee. Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.
House Budget Targets
The House Republican budget targets focused on priorities important to families and taxpayers in Minnesota. First, our budget includes $1.35 billion in meaningful, middle-class tax relief which will return money to families and hardworking taxpayers across the state. Additionally, we included $450 million in new funding for road and bridge infrastructure and $1.1 billion in new K-12 funding over last biennium. I think we are starting off well, focusing on our shared priorities, though, as we moved forward these amounts may change in negotiations with the Senate and governor.
Transportation Bill
One omnibus bill that was unveiled this week was the Transportation Omnibus Bill, also called the Minnesota Road & Bridge Act. In all, the bill invests $6 billion into our transportation infrastructure over the next decade.
From rededicating existing transportation-related revenues to investing in key highway infrastructure through $300 million in one-time Corridors of Commerce funding, this bill is a commonsense approach that makes needed investments in transportation infrastructure.
Additionally, the bill restructures light rail funding, requiring counties or the County Transit Board (CTIB) to fund 100 percent of operating and future capital costs for light rail. Prioritizing public transportation, we also redirect funding from the Met Council to Suburban Transit and fund a pilot program for suburb-to-suburb bus transit.
Finally, a provision I spearheaded is in the bill which reforms the MnDOT highway selection process. It is my hope and intent that these changes will increase transparency on how and why projects are chosen, as well as rebuild trust between legislators, local stakeholders and MnDOT.
Providing Tax Relief
Another large budget bill unveiled this week was the Omnibus Tax bill, which includes more than $1.35 billion in meaningful, middle-class tax relief for families, seniors, hometown businesses, farmers and Minnesotans with student loans.
From reducing the state tax on social security income to a first-in-the-nation tax credit for Minnesotans paying student loans, there are a lot of provisions in the bill that will put money back in the pockets of hardworking taxpayers who helped fund our state’s surplus.
Additionally, two bills I authored are included in the bill. The first modifies state law for the Greens of Anoka Redevelopment Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district in Anoka. The other is a property tax reform provision that calls for a bipartisan legislative study group to develop at least two proposals to reduce the complexity and increase transparency within our property tax system.
Constituent Visits
Thank you to the students, staff and parents from Anoka Adventist Christian School for coming to visit the Capitol this week. I hope you had a wonderful time and enjoyed learning more about state government!
Staying in Touch
Please know my office is available should you need assistance on a matter of state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn. I also welcome your input and ideas on legislation and matters moving through the Minnesota House. I am here to serve you! Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Abigail