Dear Neighbors,
Today, Friday, is the third and final committee deadline. This means that most committee work is now finished for the year, and the final month of the 2024 legislative session will be spent largely on the House Floor debating and voting on supplemental budget bills and other standalone bills.
Thank you for your continued support as I work to make sure the voices of you, your family, and our communities are heard in St. Paul. As always, please continue to reach out to me to share any thoughts, questions, or concerns you may have. My contact information can be found at the bottom of this newsletter.
Veterans Day on the Hill
Wednesday was the annual Veterans Day on the Hill here in St. Paul. Every year, hundreds of veterans from across Minnesota travel to St. Paul to hold a rally and to speak with their locally elected legislators to advocate on behalf of issues important to veterans.
Veterans and their families have sacrificed so much in defense and service to our nation. We all owe a debt of gratitude to these brave individuals, and they deserve to be well taken care of as each of them have given much to us all.
Thank you to all our veterans and their families!
Fighting for Minnesota Taxpayers
Monday was Tax Day and an unfortunate reminder of the nearly $10 billion in new taxes that will soon be impacting every Minnesotan. Remember, despite a $18 billion budget surplus last year, Democrats and Gov. Walz raised taxes by $10 billion.
The tax increases included payroll taxes that will take money out of every Minnesotans’ paycheck, a new gas tax, higher vehicle tab fees, a metro area sales tax, and much more.
These increases will have a significant impact on Minnesota families who are already struggling under the weight of historic levels of inflation that have driven up the costs of everyday goods and services.
If you’re feeling the pinch in your family budget, you’re not alone. According to data from Moody’s Ratings, the typical U.S. household is paying $1,069 more a month to purchase the same goods and services it did 3 years ago before the inflation crisis began. In total, inflation is up nearly 19% from where it was in January of 2021.
Instead of raising taxes, we had a historic opportunity to provide you and your family with the tax relief you deserve. Unfortunately, Democrats and Gov. Walz had other ideas.
I will continue to advocate for tax relief and to rein in out-of-control government spending that is driving up inflation.
Congratulations to Elk River’s Emma Bates!
Congratulations to Emma Bates for finishing first among all American women at this year’s Boston Marathon!
Emma is from Elk River and is recognized as one of the best marathoners in America. Way to go, and keep up the amazing work!
Staying in Touch
Make sure to reach out to my office if you plan to be in St. Paul anytime soon. It would be great to meet with you. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4237 or via email at rep.paul.novotny@house.mn.gov.
Have a good day,
Paul