Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2016 legislative session began on Tuesday, March 8th. Here is an update form the Capitol.
Economic Forecast
Late last month, the Minnesota Office of Management and Budget released the February Economic Forecast, revealing the state has a $900 million surplus for Fiscal Years 2016-17. This number is down from the November forecast of a $1.2 billion surplus due in part to a weakened national economic outlook as well as lower consumer spending. However, this surplus is still significant and with those funds, House Republicans will be focusing on two things: transportation and tax relief.
If you missed my recent editorial in the Grand Forks Herald with Rep. Dan Fabian talking about fixing our roads and bridges in Greater Minnesota, you can read it here. The House Republican Road and Bridge Act, which the House passed last session, offers long-term, comprehensive funding for our transportation infrastructure and will help repair or replace more than 15,000 lane miles and 320 bridges statewide. What's more, small city funding will help communities in Northwest Minnesota with fewer than 5,000 people fix up roads and fill potholes. Transportation funding is important, and we can fund road and bridge improvements without a harmful gas tax increase this session.
In addition to transportation, tax relief will be a top priority for House Republicans again this year. Last year, our tax legislation offered middle-class tax relief to families, veterans, farmers, seniors, college students and entrepreneurs. I would like to see a tax bill passed this year because state government should be returning hard-earned tax dollars back to Minnesota families.
If you have additional input or ideas on what you would like to see happen at the legislature this year, please do not hesitate to contact my office!
Mental Health Legislation
On Tuesday in the Health and Human Services Policy Committee, my legislation to appropriate a federal mental health grant was heard.
House File 2609 will help fund at least two certified community behavioral health clinics both in the metro and in Greater Minnesota. The money will likely go to enhancing already existing clinics that are doing excellent work to reach Minnesotans in need. These health clinics help folks with mental health and drug abuse issues, offering them a place to go for help. The planning grants will help get the programs going, and the state will have two years to demonstrate that the program is working and effective.
Question of the Week
This session, I will be starting a new segment in my email updates: Question of the Week. I would love to hear feedback from folks in my district about issues happening at the State Capitol. Please reply to this email to share your answer!
Question: Minnesota has a $900 million surplus for Fiscal Years 2016-17. How would you like to prioritize that money?
- Tax Relief
- Fixing and Improving Roads and Bridges
- Increase Government Spending (If so, in what area?)
- Create All-Day Pre-Kindergarten
- Pay Down State Debt
- Other
Please share your thoughts with me! Your opinion is valuable and helps guide me in supporting legislation that reflects the priorities of our community.
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If I can ever assist you or your family on a matter of state government, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. I am here to serve you!
Deb
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01B