Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’re ready for some WARM weather tomorrow. It looks like it’ll be almost 60 degrees! The warm temps remind me that things at the Capitol are getting busier and busier as we head toward the legislative session.
Budget Forecast
This morning, Minnesota Management and Budget announced a $900 million surplus for fiscal years 2016-17. While this is lower than November’s $1.2 billion projection, this surplus gives us an opportunity to continue the work we started last year. I plan to support a tax relief bill that would cut taxes for seniors, small business owners, and college graduates with student debt. In order to stimulate our economy, we need to let hardworking Minnesotans keep more of their paycheck.
Transportation funding is also on the table for 2016. Last year, House Republicans supported a plan to invest $7 billion over 10 years to repair our roads and bridges without raising taxes on you and your family. I hope that in the legislative session, Democrats will be willing to come to the table to discuss ways to improve our infrastructure without proposing a tax increase on Minnesotans.
Veteran Service Office
We have a large number of military veterans in our area, and it’s important to remember that each county has a County Veteran Service Office to assist them in communicating with the US Department of Veterans Affairs. If you or someone you know is a veteran and has a question for the VA, please visit www.macvso.org to find your local office.
Coming Up
TONIGHT, I’m joining Rep. Abigail Whelan and Rep. Steve Drazkowski for a town hall meeting to discuss property tax issues. The meeting will be held at the Anoka City Hall, 2015 First Ave. N., Anoka, MN 55303, beginning at 5 p.m.
The Anoka County Polar Plunge is tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Crooked Lake. Be sure to head out and support this great cause!
Next Tuesday, March 1, Minnesota will hold precinct caucuses around the state. Whichever political party you identify with, it’s important to attend your local caucus and take part in the political process. If you need more information on your meeting location or how the process works, contact your political party headquarters or feel free to visit http://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us/. Be sure your voice is hear; attend your local caucus!
On Wednesday, I’m addressing the Andover and Coon Rapids city councils to talk about the upcoming legislative session. I look forward to sharing my vision for 2016!
As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns. If you would like to get in touch, please call 651-296-4231 or email me at rep.peggy.scott@house.mn.
Have a great weekend!
Peggy