Dear Northlanders,
Only a few days remain in the 2017 legislative session and a budget solution seems elusive. All budget issues remain unresolved with the exception of agriculture. Compromise is needed to pass a budget to fund Minnesota into the future, but unfortunately, Republicans have been unwilling to stay at the negotiating table and meet in the middle. Last week, Republicans walked away from negotiations with Governor Dayton. The governor warned he would veto the inadequate Republican budget bills stuffed with controversial policy, but they moved ahead alone. Governor Dayton’s compromises have largely gone unanswered.
Legislative Republicans are holding out for tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy, and controversial policy like private school vouchers, while Governor Dayton is working to fully fund E-12 and higher education, and prevent proposed Republican cuts to many of the things Minnesotans value. The choice is not a difficult one – move Minnesotans forward or hold back our state. I will advocate for Minnesota values as we move this session to the finish line and work to prevent a special session.
Governor Dayton has already vetoed the Republican budget in order to resume negotiations and speed up the end of session. The choice by Republicans to underfund our schools, increase tuition, rollback protections for clean air, land and water, and cut Minnesotan’s health care will not make Minnesota successful into the future. Instead of these choices, compromise is needed to invest in the things that have made Minnesota’s economy strong and that Minnesotans value.
On Wednesday Governor Dayton proposed meeting Republican legislative leaders half way on their budget proposal so the legislature could finish its work on time and both sides could fund their priorities. It is the fair way to use the budget surplus so everyone’s priorities can be met.
Over the next few days, we will strive to reach a compromise budget that provides efficiency and accountability in order to build a better future for all Minnesotans, not just a few.
SCHOOLS VISITS
Students from West End Elementary, Indus School, and Little Fork-Big Falls came down to visit this week. These students looked pretty good down in the Capitol and I think a few of them have future a future in public service (maybe even taking my job!).
Thanks to West End Elementary in International Falls for visiting. This groups looks pretty good in the House Chamber.
Students from Little Fork-Big Falls in the Capitol Rotunda. It was great meeting with them.
I also met with students from Indus School. I was happy to have so many students come down and visit.
Please contact me with any questions you may have in the finals days of session. Your input is valuable to me as we make our final decisions.
Sincerely,
Rob Ecklund
State Representative