Greetings from the Capitol!
Congratulations to Alexandria’s own: Sgt. Rick Schueler for being named the State Patrol’s Trooper of the Year; thank you for your service to our community and state!
Last week I spoke on the House floor on a point of personal privilege to honor a very courageous woman and abolitionist, Harriet Tubman.
Check out both clips on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RepresentativeMaryFranson/
Budget Surplus:
The Office of Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released the February economic forecast Tuesday, revealing a larger budget surplus than forecasted last fall. For the 2018-2019 budget years, Minnesota is projected to have a $1.65 billion surplus, an increase of about $250 million. Additionally, a $2.124 billion surplus has been projected for the 2020-2021 biennium.
The increase in the surplus mostly comes from greater-than-expected revenue from individual income taxes, the general sales tax, and the corporate franchise tax. MMB budget documents state that an improved U.S. economic outlook and positive numbers for key economic data points such as personal income growth, employment, and consumer spending have contributed to the additional surplus revenue.
Minnesotans have been overtaxed and underappreciated. Given the news of a growing surplus, we need to provide meaningful tax relief to Minnesota taxpayers to create a surplus in their wallet. As the Legislature begins to craft the budget for the next two years, we have to make sure critical investments are made in helping our most vulnerable Minnesotans: those living with disabilities and mental health issues.
Banning Taxpayer Funded Abortions:
The bipartisan bill (House File 809) I chief-authored that would ban Minnesota taxpayer dollars from being spent on abortions was heard in Health and Human Services Reform Committee this week and then re-referred to Health and Human Finance Committee for its next hearing.
I believe this bill is commonsense and needs to be put into law. There is no reason for state government to subsidize the cost of an abortion.
If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-3201 or rep.mary.franson@house.mn. I would love to hear from you.
I truly represent the best!
Sincerely,
