Dear neighbors,
There has been a lot of activity around my office in the last few weeks. In February, I was elected to serve as the Vice Chair of the Legislative Permanent School Fund Commission. We have been making exciting progress, working with the City of Anoka, regarding the redevelopment of the Anoka State Hospital into community housing for our veterans. And a new legislative initiative to help working parents create economic stability for their families. Here is a brief update on these issues:
Budget forecast increases surplus:
Last Friday, the February Economic Forecast was released. There is now a $1.9 billion budget surplus. This is a very good sign for Minnesota that points to a growing economy, and the state economist even said there were strong signs that wages will also increase in the coming year. Minnesota families have made this progress and economic growth possible. It also shows that the DFL budget of 2013-2014 demonstrates that investing in opportunity for everyone strengthens the economy for all of us.
More than 75,000 jobs have been created in Minnesota since we passed the most recent balanced budget in 2013. More Minnesotans are working now than ever before. Policy and budget discussions at the legislature over the next few months will revolve around the many ideas at the Capitol to put those funds to work, and the best way we can use the surplus is to invest in a stable economic future for Minnesota families.
Investments in our E-12 education system, all day pre-K and early childhood learning scholarships, continuing the college tuition freeze, increasing middle class tax relief and excluding social security earnings from state taxes are all ideas being considered. It’s important to note that much of the surplus is already accounted for by the inflationary costs of programs already in place. I’d be interested to hear your ideas for the approximate $1 billion of surplus left on the bottom line, so please send me your suggestions.
Legislative Permanent School Fund Commission (LPSFC)
I was recently elected Vice Chair of the Legislative Permanent School Fund Commission. The Minnesota Legislature established the 12 member bipartisan Legislative Permanent School Fund Commission to advise the Department of Natural Resources and the school trust lands director on the management of land which is held in trust for the school districts of the state. The commission reports annually to the legislature with recommendations for management of school trust fund lands to secure long-term economic return for the permanent school fund. If you’re interested in learning more about the commission, you can click here.
Anoka Hospital Cottages Redeveloped for Veterans Housing
There has been local news coverage about progress being made to turn the Rum River Cottages at the former Anoka State Hospital into housing for Minnesota veterans. It is an exciting development that accomplishes several goals. The redeveloped units will provide access to quality housing for local veterans, preserve a part of our history, and it is being done at a significant savings to the state. You may have seen the project featured in an article in the Start Tribune last week. I’ve been working closely with the Anoka City Council and staff to see this project become a reality.
Working Parents Act
Recently, a package of bills called the Working Parents Act was unveiled by several members of the House. The package is aimed at providing greater opportunity and economic security to millions of Minnesotans and greater prosperity for all of us. It includes five individual proposals: Earned Sick and Safe Time, Paid Family Leave, Wage Theft Prevention, Fair and Predictable Scheduling, and Tip Fairness for Servers. Click the link above to learn more. I’m hopeful that we can make progress on these issues this year!
Social Security Tax Deductions
The Aging and Long-Term Care Committee has now heard five separate bills, all of which are concerned with eliminating social security pension payments from Minnesota state tax. The bills provide a variety of options for phasing-in the elimination over a period of five to ten years.
I’ll continue to update you as the legislature continues it’s work. I encourage you to contact me on any legislative or state government issue that may arise. During the legislative session, my office in St. Paul can be reached by email at Rep.Jerry.Newton@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-5369.
Sincerely,
Jerry Newton
State Representative