Greetings,
The 2018 Legislative Session is underway, and lawmakers have hit the ground running. Yesterday, the Minnesota House approved a conference committee report that restores legislative funding in Minnesota. You’ll recall Governor Dayton vetoed revenue for the Minnesota House and Senate last spring.
I served on this conference committee and am pleased we were able to get this proposal off the floor quickly. Now we can move on to more important topics that are in need of legislative debate in 2018, such as:
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Ensuring there are no unintended consequences with the federal tax relief bill
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Implementing a long overdue pensions bill, and (given the governor’s blue ribbon recommendations on the subject) reducing anticipated rates of return from 8-8.5% to 7.5%
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Continuing our work to make health insurance premiums more affordable
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Fixing the mess caused by MNLARS – Minnesota’s new licensing and registration system – that’s supposed to distribute car titles and tabs to customers in a timely fashion
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Discussing a capital investment bill, designed to preserve assets at state-owned schools and fund other local construction possibilities
Lawmakers will also deal with the results of Minnesota’s latest economic forecast, which will be unveiled on February 28. November’s forecast showed a slight deficit, but many are expecting next week’s numbers to show a surplus. Either way, the legislature will need to address it as our budget must be in balance before we adjourn for the year.
If you know of anyone who would like to receive future email updates, forward this email to them and have them sign up here. Also, if you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-7808 or rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Tim