To the editor:
With the first few weeks of the 2013-2014 legislative session behind us, we’ve seen a number of bills put forward as well as a budget proposal from Governor Mark Dayton.
I proudly co-sponsored some of the first pieces of legislation introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives. These bills would pay back funding that was borrowed from our schools, provide direct property tax relief to homeowners and renters, make investments that create jobs and expand economic opportunity, and set up a health insurance exchange to increase access to affordable health care for Minnesotans and small businesses.
This week, the release of Governor Dayton’s budget proposal sparked what will be a robust and ongoing conversation about how we can put our state on sound fiscal footing.
Cutting Minnesota’s projected $1.1 billion deficit will not be easy, but I believe Governor Dayton’s plan is a good starting point for getting the job done. Unlike budgets of the past that have relied on short-term fixes and gimmicks, the Governor uses a fresh approach by combining both cuts and new revenue—an approach that will not balance the budget on the backs of middle class families.
Governor Dayton’s proposal also includes sorely-needed property tax relief. Under his plan, Minnesota homeowners would be eligible for a rebate up to $500. I think we can all agree that more money in the pockets of middle class homeowners is a good thing. Greater consumer spending will drive job creation and economic growth across the state.
In the days and weeks ahead, I will continue examining Governor Dayton’s proposal, but most importantly, I want to hear your ideas and feedback about how we can work together to create jobs and balance the budget in way that is fair and responsible. I encourage you to contact me by phone at (651) 296-5363, by mail at 421 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155, or via email at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Peter Fischer
State Representative, District 43A