Dear Neighbor,
Here are the latest notes from St. Paul as we head into this Memorial Day weekend:
Session ends
The 2022 legislative session adjourned this week without converting a massive state surplus to historic tax relief and improving public safety at a time of surging violent crime.
A bill to repay Minnesota’s unemployment insurance trust fund deficit and reverse tax hikes on employers already was enacted in early May, eliminating one potentially significant consequence for inaction at the deadline. And, in the final days of the session, the Legislature did approve a package of drought relief and provisions related to agriculture, along with passing mental health funding.
Minnesotans are hamstrung by record price increases and the state has a massive surplus. Major tax relief should have been within reach this session, but the House majority wanted to increase government spending by 15 percent or more compared with the last budget – even though this is not a budget year and our state already is fully funded for the biennium. This ultimately caused the end-of-session stalemate.
It is disappointing an education package hung up in the gridlock. The last Senate offer of the session included nearly $912 million over three years for the special education cross-subsidy. In each offer, the Senate was trying to put as much funding possible into special education, but the House majority balked.
Permanent, meaningful tax relief and public safety improvements will remain top priorities of mine this interim as we prepare for the 2023 session, starting with eliminating state taxes on Social Security to end Minnesota’s status as one of the last states to tax these dollars.
Refreshing tone
After a contentious session and added strain from end-of-session negotiations, there was a refreshing tone in the House chamber Monday during more than four hours of retirement speeches delivered by members. Almost universally, we saw more compassion and unvarnished candor during those speeches than in all the floor sessions or committee meetings this session combined. There were numerous moving moments on both sides of the aisle.
It was humbling to hear member after member express their great admiration for our state’s legislative institution and share details about their highs and lows while serving. The sacrifices they and the people closest to them have made during their service also was touching. Granted, these House members no longer have political capital at stake, but it was refreshing to see relaxed demeanors and genial personalities on display.
Continuing to work
It may be the legislative interim, but I will remain in close touch with the people I represent – families, area employers and local officials alike – as we start thinking about 2023. It is good to now have more time to spend in the district talking with people in our area and I look forward to good discussions the next several months. Your input always is welcome and will be helpful in our planning.
Sincerely,
Lisa