Greetings,
BUDGET SURPLUS
On Wednesday, state lawmakers learned that Minnesota once again is projected to see a budget surplus. The economic experts say a $329 million budget surplus is expected. This is roughly $517 million more than the previous projection – a $188 million deficit - made in November.
Because Minnesota requires a balanced budget, all of this funding will need to be dedicated before session ends. I will keep you posted on the decisions being made in the Minnesota House as they become available.
MNLARS UPDATE
The MNLARS program also continues to make news, and not for the right reasons. Since being unveiled in July, Minnesota’s new drivers licensing and registration system has been a nightmare for deputy registrars’ who can’t process applications and Minnesotans who can’t obtain vehicle titles and tabs in a timely manner.
In response, two House proposals were offered this week that would address the MNLARS problems. We are continuing our efforts to fix these problems and are counting on the Dayton administration to work with us.
2017 GRAUDATION RATES
2017 graduation rate numbers were released by the Department of Education recently. Here’s how some of our local schools fared:
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Sartell-St. Stephen – 96.6%
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Sauk Rapids-Rice – 93.4%
Congratulations to our local schools, teachers, and administrators for the continued good work. If you’d like to learn more or search other schools, please click here.
CONSTITUENT VISITS
Also this week, Senator Fischbach, Representative Howe and I met with MAAP STARS from the McKinley Area Learning Cent
I always look forward to meeting with these students and hearing how they are energized by their educational experience.
Many other local residents stopped by this week as well in order to advocate for issues they believe in. They include
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Elder Abuse Work Group
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blind Minnesotans
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Minnesota Pharmacy Association
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occupational therapists
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Minnesota judges and attorneys
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private college staff and students
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Minnesota beer distributors
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pro-life supporters
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athletic trainers
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county auditors
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Association of Minnesota County representatives
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faculty from St. Cloud State University
If you’re planning on visiting the Capitol in the near future, I strongly encourage you to stop by!
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