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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL)

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Merry Christmas from the Capitol

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Warm Christmas

Season’s Greetings Northlanders,

I hope your holiday season will be an enjoyable one with loved ones, and that you’ll have a healthy, happy new year just around the corner. If you plan to travel as part of your holiday celebrations, I hope you get to and from your destination safely.

While there is a great deal of joy and merriment this time of year, it can be a struggle for many people. In addition to giving gifts to family and friends, if you’re able, I’d encourage you to consider making a charitable contribution to an organization that helps out those experiencing tough times. Many non-profit organizations provide critical services in our communities and are worthy of our support. Please check out the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota for some examples.


New Budget Forecast

Last week, state budget officials announced the November Economic Forecast, which projects a positive balance for the remainder of our current two-year budget cycle. It also highlighted that our budget reserve (or “rainy day fund”) is fully funded, our state credit rating puts us in a strong position to pass a robust package of public infrastructure investments this coming session, and overall, our state economy is doing quite well.

The forecast is just a snapshot though and our economy could eventually slow down. We need to remain careful and budget responsibly going forward. Looking ahead to 2020, this includes keeping our focus on what will ultimately help families prosper. Continued investments in great schools, affordable health care for everybody, and good-paying job opportunities in every corner of the state – with the help of tools like expanded high-speed broadband – will keep us on this path to prosperity.

You can learn more about the budget forecast here. In February, we will receive an updated set of budget numbers and other economic information.


Connect with me on Facebook

Are you on Facebook? If so, please take a moment to “like” my legislative page to receive more frequent news and updates from the Capitol and up north. You can find my page at facebook.com/RepRobEcklund. If you have friends, neighbors, or coworkers who follow the Legislature, let them know about my page by sharing it on your profile or sending them an “invite” to like it.

I greatly value your feedback and engagement over the past year, and in 2020, I hope you’ll continue to contact me with your viewpoints and whenever I can be of assistance. I’m honored to serve as your State Representative.

Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,

Rob Ecklund
State Representative