Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update on the latest news from St. Paul.
This week we finished voting on the first round of omnibus budget bills. Most of them passed along party lines due to the massive amount of very controversial policy and steep tax hikes contained in the bills.
The Transportation bill includes a 70 percent increase in the gas tax, which would hurt Minnesotans across the state, but especially in Greater Minnesota. The Health and Human Services bill brings back a tax on doctor visits and medical procedures, which would increase healthcare costs, and does not include an extension of the reinsurance program which could cause health insurance premiums to skyrocket. It also cuts over $68 million from nursing homes. The Public Safety omnibus bill includes some very problematic gun control provisions that would infringe on our right to bear arms and our right to due process, among others. Across all budget bills, there are over $12 billion in tax increases over the next four years.
All of these tax and fee increases and funding cuts were supported by Democrats even though we have a billion dollar surplus in the state budget. I voted no.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance to you or your family on a matter of state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4346 or by email at rep.brian.johnson@house.mn.
Have a great week.
Sincerely,
Brian