Greetings,
It's been a very busy week in St. Paul, starting Sunday evening with the state of the state address and spending most of our week on the House floor addressing proposed budget bills that the Democrat majority has brought forth. If you’re a local job provider, I have a positive update for you this week as the unnecessary tax increase you were forced to pay will soon be disappearing.
A WEEK OF MOVEMENT ON UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TRUST FUND DEBT
There is good news to report on the unemployment insurance (UI) trust fund debt repayment. House Republicans were able to apply enough pressure on the House Democrat majority to finally take up the Senate’s bill on Monday that addresses the topic. On Thursday, a House/Senate Conference committee worked out the following compromise: $2.7 billion to repay the federal government and replenish the UI trust fund; $500 million for front-line worker pay checks; and authorizing the Legislature to allocate COVID-19 funds the state received from the federal government.
The approval of this compromise means the elimination of the 15% or more tax increase that was recently leveled on all local employers in order to refill the UI trust fund.
HOUSE DEMOCRAT SUPPLEMENTAL SPENDING BILLS
State representatives spent every day on the House floor this week reviewing bills brought forward by House Democrats that would enact significant increases in spending in the State of Minnesota. More spending bills are scheduled to be brought forward next week. As stated previously, the House majority’s budget targets would spend $7.4 billion of our $9.3 billion surplus, which would increase our current state budget spending to $59 billion. Lawmakers just set the state’s budget last year.
It's my belief that taxpayers should be prioritized with this record surplus, not increased state government spending. State agencies are fully funded for this budget cycle, while hardworking Minnesotans are struggling to pay the bills in these higher inflationary times. Our residents could benefit from significant, and permanent tax relief.
ELECTION INTEGRITY PROPOSALS FAIL
During debate on the House Democrat state government bill, House Republicans offered a number of provisions that would shore up our election process and preserve election integrity. This includes verification of your identity prior to casting your ballot. Unfortunately, the House majority voted these proposals down.
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Be well,
Tim