Dear neighbors,
Budget Forecast
On Tuesday, the Minnesota Management and Budget Department announced a forecasted budget surplus of $1.65 billion. The February Economic Forecast revealed that Minnesota continues to have low unemployment and a stable budget.
While Minnesota's economy is performing well, I am always looking for ways to improve our state. This surplus is an opportunity to reinvest in Minnesotans through strong public schools, affordable college and job training, and access to good jobs and good benefits like paid leave and earned sick time.
For too long we have neglected our roads, bridges, and transit system. It has been three years since the legislature passed a robust bonding bill to invest in our infrastructure. It is time to push politics aside and put the needs of Minnesotans first.
To stay competitive, it's vital we reinvest in our priorities. I'm ready to continue working with Governor Dayton and my legislative colleagues to build a shared vision of economic prosperity for all Minnesotans.
Preemption
Last night we debated the “preemption” bill on the House floor. This bill stops local communities from setting pro-worker policies such as sick leave, family leave, or a higher minimum wage. The measure also rolls back sick time for hundreds of thousands working people.
This divisive, anti-worker legislation is being pushed by groups that want to hold down wages and deny working families’ benefits all over the United States. Minnesotans have a strong work ethic and an even stronger sense of what is right and wrong. Rolling back benefits and stopping workers from getting ahead is the opposite of what we stand for and I strongly opposed this bill.
Town Hall Meeting Schedule
As a reminder, my town hall with Senator Ann Rest and Representative Lyndon Carlson is this Saturday. We will also have another one in April. The events are free and open to the public. See the details below.
What: Town Hall with local legislators
When: 9:30-11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 4th
Where: Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Dr N, Minneapolis, MN 55429
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What: Town Hall with local legislators
When: 9:30-11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 1st
Where: Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Dr N, Minneapolis, MN 55429
Sincerely,
Mike Freiberg
State Representative