Dear neighbors,
Last Friday, the House and Senate Republican majorities set joint budget targets. These targets are an important step in final budget negotiations between the House, Senate, and Governor over the next 3 weeks. Unfortunately, despite the fact that the state has a budget surplus, their targets underfund E-12 and higher education, which would lead to cuts in the classroom and rising tuition. These cuts make way for massive spending in the tax bill, which gives tax cuts for corporations and the rich. We are working with Governor Dayton to achieve full and equitable funding for our schools, and to make investments in areas that keep Minnesota’s economy strong into the future.
The Republican transit plan also cuts funding for bus service and light rail which will harm Minnesotans who rely on transit for school, work, and daily life – now and in the future. Their plan includes a 10% cut to bus service, halts Southwest Light Rail, and prevents future investments and planning for transit improvements around the state. The transit cuts in the Republican budget will seriously affect our ability to move forward. Instead of working together to use our surplus wisely and lift up the economy of our entire state, Republicans are making it clear that they want to punish the economies of our major cities and Minnesota as a whole.
At this point pretty much everyone agrees we need an additional $600 million a year to preserve and maintain our roads and bridges, but the Republican transportation plan continues to underfund and neglect our transportation system. Even more troubling is Republican leaders are forcing transportation to compete against funding for schools, nursing homes, and support for our most vulnerable people.
I joined my colleagues earlier in the week in support of a transportation and transit system that works in every corner of Minnesota and supports a 21st century economy. It is time for Republicans to step up so all of Minnesota can prosper.
We hope to reach a bipartisan compromise in the budget negotiations soon. House and Senate Republicans have done little to move toward the governor. Governor Dayton has provided legislative leaders with frequent input this legislative session, sending 55 letters and 179 pages of input from state agency commissioners outlining his priorities. Despite these clear guidelines, House and Senate Republicans have jammed their budget bills with controversial policy provisions including private school vouchers, the elimination of voluntary, free pre-K, and invalidating city actions that protect workers’ pay and benefits.
Considering the state has a healthy economy and a budget surplus, I’m hopeful we will find a budget compromise that works for everyone.
As we near the end of session, please contact me with your concerns. I value your input.
Sincerely,
Andrew Carlson
State Representative