Legislative Update
Dear Neighbor,
We have fewer than five weeks remaining in the 2018 legislative session and we’re approaching the third and final committee deadline, where most finance bills need to be passed out of their committees. After that’s finished, we’ll be moving into long debates on the House floor. Here are some updates from the Capitol:
Budget Targets
Last Thursday, legislative majorities announced their supplemental budget targets. I would have liked to see greater emphasis put on economic opportunity for all Minnesotans and a more comprehensive investment in early childhood education and making college more affordable, so I’ll be advocating for provisions that accomplish these goals moving forward.
I support Gov. Dayton’s budget proposal, which has been in the public view for over a month and includes tax cuts for Minnesota families and some small businesses and farmers in our state.
Visits
Last week, I attended the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters legislative conference to speak with them about the issues affecting them and the work they do around our state. Thank you for hosting legislators and for a great event.
Minnesota Values Project
In the months leading up to the legislative session, my House DFL colleagues and I spoke with Minnesotans all around the state about our future. Based on those conversations, we’ve put forward the Minnesota Values Project — our goals, principles, and commitments to the people of Minnesota.
Around our state, we heard four core concepts Minnesotans want addressed:
- Affordable health care
- Higher education (tackling student debt and tuition costs)
- E-12 education
- Economic opportunity
These shared values bring us together and can serve as a guide for how we move forward and how we make Minnesota work better for all of us. You can learn more and add your voice at www.minnesotavaluesproject.com.
Feel free to reach out to me at the Capitol with your ideas and input on legislative matters.
Sincerely,
Rep. Duane Sauke