After the holidays, the 2020 session will be right around the corner. Here’s a quick update on what we’ve been working on:
Minnesota’s Budget Forecast
Minnesota Management and Budget recently released the latest projections for Minnesota’s budget, and though we have a balance of $1.3 billion, there are many other factors to consider as we plan for Minnesota’s future. For one, inflation itself is estimated around $1 billion, and there is also an excess of unfilled jobs, uncertain federal trade policies, and potential economic slowdown to take into account. So while Minnesota is currently in a strong financial position, we need to be diligent and prudent in our work going forward so as not to jeopardize our efforts to deliver the quality education, health care, workforce, and infrastructure Minnesotans deserve.
For more about the economic forecast, you can read a story from MPR here.
2020 Bonding Bill
A big focus of this upcoming session will be the 2020 Bonding Bill. The House Capital Investment Committee toured the state this year, visiting various projects and infrastructure sites all over Minnesota for consideration in the bill. I was able to join the committee when they came through our community to help advocate for our local projects. The Perpich Center for the Arts, upgrades to the Crystal Police building, and the bicycle and pedestrian underpass at Highway 55 and Douglas Drive are all worthy projects for the 2020 Bonding Bill, and I look forward to championing them this session.
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