Neighbors,
Last week, Minnesota House committees went over their proposed budgets to map out a plan to strengthen communities across the state through investments to improve education opportunities, support access to affordable healthcare, and increase economic prosperity. Here’s an overview of some of the major committees’ budgets.
Prioritizing Families Over Corporations
Last week, the House DFL announced a tax bill which would reverse Republican budgets that have favored corporations and the wealthy. This bill would reduce taxes for families and use revenue from corporations’ foreign profits to invest in education and health care here at home. A fact sheet and overview is available here. You can read more from the Star Tribune here.
Quality Education for our Students
Three quarters of that new revenue will go toward education. The Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District has been severely under-funded, forcing budget and program cuts. Next year, the District may be forced to lay off 55 teachers. The E-12 proposed education budget will address school district costs across Minnesota to help stabilize school budgets. It will provide access to high-quality preschool and early learning opportunities, and help students build bridges to post-secondary opportunities. Students in our community simply deserve better. A fact sheet for the E-12 budget is available here.
Infrastructure Investments
The transportation committee released a budget that prioritizes better access to transit for Minnesotans who need to get to work, school, the doctor’s office, and engage in civic life. It includes my proposal to finally repeal the gag rule on the Dan Patch Rail line. This line would help connect our community, increasing job opportunities and access to affordable transportation. A fact sheet for the transportation budget is available here.
Healthcare we can Afford
The Health and Human Services Committee announced a proposal to lower the cost of health care, address the rising costs of prescription drug prices, increase the quality of coverage, and give patients and their doctors more power over their care. You can read more about it, as well as my contributions to the HHS budget, from the Savage Pacer here.
Hands-free Driving Legislation Passes the House & Senate
House Democrats and Senate Republicans worked together last week to pass a bill to increase drivers' safety. There are a lot of distractions out on the road, and chief among them is our cell phones. I proudly voted for this bill that will make our roads safer for everyone by requiring Minnesotans to put down their phones and focus on the road.
Please reach out if you have a question about our budget, the legislative session, and what I'm working on. It's an honor to serve you.
Sincerely,
Hunter Cantrell |
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