Dear Friends and Neighbors,
With another week underway at the Capitol, I want to send out a quick email update with some news from the legislature. In this week’s update, I’ll fill you in on the governor’s budget proposal and a bill to make upgrades to Lyman Boulevard in Chanhassen I am authoring this year.
Governor’s Budget Proposal
Governor Walz recently unveiled his state budget proposal for the next two years. I was disappointed to see that massive tax hikes – totaling at least $3 billion over the next two years – were a major component of this budget. These tax increases would make life more expensive for families and businesses and take more money out of the pockets of every Minnesotan.
You’ve probably heard about the 20 cent per gallon gas tax increase the governor is proposing. It would give Minnesota the 4th highest gas tax in the country and would make every trip to the gas station more expensive. This would especially hurt drivers in our area who commute around the metro as well as area businesses moving their products by trucks.
We’ve heard the governor state that higher gas taxes are essential to making investments in transportation infrastructure. We all agree we must fund our roads and bridges, but the legislature did so without increasing gas taxes last session and we can do it again this year. I support dedicating sales taxes on auto parts exclusively to roads and bridges, but unfortunately the governor’s proposal eliminates this plan and calls for increased gas taxes instead.
This proposal would also renew the billion dollar per year sick tax – a tax on healthcare services – which would make healthcare and every trip to the doctor more expensive. It would also increase license tab and vehicle registration fees. At a time when our state enjoys a healthy budget surplus of over $1 billion, there is no reason to consider raising taxes by so much. Minnesotans can’t afford the higher taxes the governor is proposing, and I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues in the coming weeks to put together a budget that funds our priorities without crushing taxpayers.
Lyman Boulevard Upgrades
Last week, I introduced my first bill as a state representative. My bill would provide a grant for funding for the city of Chanhassen to make upgrades to Lyman Boulevard. The funding would be used to make upgrades such as the reconstruction of the roadway to a ten-ton design; addition of curb and gutter, roundabouts, and a pedestrian trail; and stormwater treatment improvements. This project addresses needed areas of improvement to this important roadway in our community. These improvements will allow for easier and safer travel, which is especially important given Lyman Boulevard’s proximity to Chanhassen High School. My bill will provide the necessary funding from the state to help the city get the project off the ground. I am proud to author legislation that would make a direct, positive impact on our community.
Introducing my first bill as a state representative by dropping it in “The Hopper”.
Please Contact Me
I’d like to encourage you to please contact me to share any legislative questions or ideas you may have. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-5066 or by email at rep.greg.boe@house.mn. I value your input and appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Greg