Dear Neighbors,
The November budget forecast is scheduled for next Tuesday, Dec 6th. This budget forecast will set the tone for the next biennium as we determine what we can afford to prioritize. For the last fiscal year, the 2022-23 biennium had a surplus of $9.25 billion. The final legislative actions used only about $2.2 billion of that surplus, leaving $7 billion on the bottom line. Recent revenue results have exceeded expectations hinting that the upcoming budget projection could exceed $10 billion. However we won’t know for sure until next week.
The overall state economy has been incredibly healthy, however not everyone is benefiting fully from this economic growth. With a strong projection we can redistribute and reinvest to ensure that everyone is able to thrive.
Here is some frosty Bergamot I photographed while hiking through native prairie.
Met Council Applications Open
The deadline to apply for the Metropolitan Council has been extended to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning agency for the seven-county metropolitan area. The Met Council operates the regional bus and rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income individuals and families.
Council members serve 4-year terms, concurrent with the governor’s term of office.
Please email Gov.Appointments@state.mn.us for Metropolitan Council district application instructions or information about applying to serve on the Nominating Committee. Applicants may contact Gov.Appointments@state.mn.us or 651-201-3400 with questions about the process or to request reasonable accommodations.
Regent Candidate Advisory Council Application Deadline Approaching
Friday is the application deadline for U of M Regent Candidates to be considered by the Regent Candidate Advisory Council. Information on the application and appointment process, including the application itself, can be found at this link. Here is a brief summary of the process:
- 12/2/22 – RCAC accepts applications through this date
- 1/13/23 – RCAC votes to recommend candidates to the Joint Legislative Committee
- 2/28/23 – Joint Legislative Committee must meet by this date to recommend Regent candidates to the joint convention of the legislature
Office of the Legislative Auditor Report on Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board Performance
The OLA will often perform audits on various government entities to ensure our government is running efficiently. In their most recent audit the OLA found the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board generally did not comply with the significant finance-related legal requirements and generally did not have adequate internal controls. They identified a significant number of instances of noncompliance and internal control deficiencies related to grants, payroll expenditures, and other expenditures. You can read the full report here. I’m grateful for the work of the OLA to ensure there is as little waste as possible.
Stay in Touch
If you have any questions or feedback for me, please feel free to email me at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or call (651) 296-6828. I always appreciate hearing from constituents!
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative