Dear Neighbors,
Budget bills are starting to move through both the Minnesota House and Senate. We have debated and voted on the first round of omnibus bills in nearly every issue area, but we are still waiting to take up Legacy, Energy, and Capital Investment (Bonding).
With less than a month remaining this legislative session, conference committees are slowly starting to be assembled with representatives and senators who will hammer out the details of each finance bill before sending it back to the floor for another vote, and eventually to the governor for his signature.
Once all of the bills are signed into law, we can expect to see a $3 billion increase in taxes and fees on all hardworking Minnesotans to pay for a 10% spending increase ($4 billion) to grow government bureaucracy.
2013 Survey Results
Thank you to everyone who completed my 2013 Legislative Survey. Almost 400 people completed the survey, and I have included the responses below for your review. Let me know what you think about the results!
Q1: The state currently owes $801 million to school districts across the state. Which option do you prefer?
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We should pay back the schools now, and delay additional increases in funding: 87.8%
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We should increase education funding now, and delay paying back the money owed to schools: 12.2%
Q2: Governor Dayton has proposed lowering the sales tax rate from 6.875% to 5.5%, but also broadening the sales tax to clothing over $100, services like haircuts and auto repairs, over-the-counter medications, and many other goods and services. This proposal would raise $5.6 billion dollars in tax revenue, which would be used to fund additional education, health care, and local government aid spending. Do you support this proposal?
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Yes: 18.1%
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No: 77.7%
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Undecided: 4.2%
Q3: The Health Insurance Exchange bill proposed by legislators would tax 3.5 percent on insurance premiums to fund its operations in compliance with the Affordable Care Act (aka ObamaCare). Do you support this proposal?
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Yes: 13.8%
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No: 81.8%
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Undecided: 4.4%
Q4: Labor Unions and lawmakers are considering requiring private day care providers and personal care attendants to join a union. Proponents argue it will give more power to these workers to improve their wages and working conditions. Opponents say the measure is unnecessary and will increase the cost of daycare and personal care services for families. Do you support the unionization of child care providers and personal care attendants?
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Yes: 6.4%
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No: 90.6%
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Undecided: 3.0%
Q5: Some lawmakers are proposing stricter environmental regulations, saying it will reduce harm to our natural resources. Opponents say it will create costlier regulations for farmers, small business owners, and people who live outside city limits. Do you support stricter environmental regulations?
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Yes: 14.5%
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No: 79.5%
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Undecided: 6.0%
Q6: Minnesota law currently requires that 25% of our state’s energy come from renewable sources by the year 2025. One proposal would add an additional 10% requirement for solar energy. Proponents of the plan argue that this technology is good for our environment and reduces our need for fossil fuels and coal. Opponents argue that solar panel technology remains too expensive and inefficient, and that the mandate would increase utility rates. Do you support an additional 10% solar mandate?
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Yes: 13.0%
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No: 82.6%
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Undecided: 4.4%
Q7: Legislation has been introduced that would seek to create additional gun control laws in an effort to decrease gun violence. Do you support additional gun control measures?
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Yes: 19.9%
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No: 73.6%
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Undecided: 6.5%
Q8: Later this session, it is expected that the legislature will take up the issue of marriage equality for same sex couples. Do you support marriage equality and the legalization of same sex marriage in Minnesota?
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Yes: 13.7%
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No: 82.7%
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Undecided: 3.6%
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Please let me know if you are ever in St. Paul. I would love to meet with you at my office. Or, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you might have related to state government. I am here to serve you!
Have a great week,
Deb
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/1B