Dear Neighbor,
Hello from the House. We have a lot to cover this week, so let’s get right to it:
GREATER MN AMBULANCE FUNDING
House Republicans this week hosted a press conference to call for funding to address Minnesota's critical Emergency Medical Services shortfall of over $120 million. EMS services across our state are facing an unprecedented crisis that threatens our emergency response system and puts the lives of Minnesotans at risk.
House Democrats spent $730 million to remodel of their own office building. For them to turn around and ignore such a huge funding shortage for ambulances would be inexcusable.
VETERANS VISITOR
Thank you to Josh Beninga from the Lac qui Parle County Veterans Service Office for recently coming to the Capitol. Mr. Beninga is the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers President and I appreciate him taking time to meet with me to discuss issues related to his important subject area.
TAX DAY
Tax Day was this week. While the income tax obligations for most Minnesotans have now been met, people continue to feel the pain of increased everyday tax burdens thanks to the decisions made by a Democrat-controlled state government.
Last year, Democrats raised taxes on Minnesotans by $10 billion despite an $18 billion state surplus and continue to find new ways to take more money out of family budgets. Of the $10 billion in Democrat tax hikes, only $3 billion of it has gone into effect. This means if you’re already having financial problems, brace yourself for more. For example, one-party Democrat control voted to make everything you order more expensive. Their new delivery tax takes effect in 11 weeks.
Meanwhile, Democrats also broke their promise to Minnesota seniors by failing to fully eliminate taxes on social security benefits, voting repeatedly against Republican amendments to get rid of this unfair tax once and for all.
With rising gas, groceries, mortgage rates, and energy prices, Republicans continue working to eliminate wasteful government spending so we can deliver permanent tax relief for Minnesota families to help you afford everyday necessities.
FUNDING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
Democrats are pushing legislation to make Minnesota a so-called sanctuary state. This would make our state a haven for illegal immigrants at a time we face a crisis at our nation’s southern border. They spent last year’s session greasing the skids by providing driver’s licenses for all, automatic voter registration, free college, and incentives to NOT go to work.
Aside from social costs, there are serious questions about how much of an actual fiscal cost Minnesota taxpayers will suffer to support people who are in our state illegally. House Republicans offered an amendment on the floor this week to clarify the New American Grant Program does not apply to illegal immigrants, but House Democrats turned that down.
As elementary as it sounds, Minnesotans’ tax dollars should not be going to people who are breaking the law to be here. The fact the majority refuses to address this issue is quite revealing speaks volumes about the priorities across the aisle.
TeenPact event
I mentioned this last week, but just want to share a quick reminder that a TeenPact Leadership Schools event is taking place next week at the Capitol complex. Our next class will take place April 22-26, and we have 30 students registered for our Four Day Class and over 40 registered for our One Day Class. The class sponsors will greet the students at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 22, in Room 300N of the State Office Building in St. Paul.
Visit teenpact.com for more information on this program. We're excited for this year's students to gain an understanding of their government through interactive activities, mock legislative sessions, and personal experiences.
Sincerely,
Chris