Dear Neighbors,
This past week was an exciting time to be at the legislature as the Governor’s budget proposal and other important events took place. I am looking forward to updating you on some of these items.
Disaster Relief Aid
The House passed Senate File 1 this past Monday. This bill will provide $17 million dollars for recovery efforts in the wake of last summer’s flooding. This $17 million serves as a match for an additional $50 million that the state will receive from the federal government. As you may recall, there was a wide spread of severe storms that passed through Minnesota last summer. All regions of the state, including counties in western Minnesota, were affected by the flooding and other damage that occurred as a result of these storms.
It was extremely important that we passed this bill in a timely manner in order to see that counties across the state, including Grant County, receive the aid that they need to continue the cleanup effort.
Governor’s Budget Proposal
On Tuesday, the Governor unveiled his budget proposal for the coming biennium. His budget includes a $6.839 billion increase in all-funds spending over the current biennium and a more than $903 million increase in all taxes for the biennium. While there are portions of the proposal that I think we can find some common ground, the budget proposal ultimately offers more questions than answers.
Included in the Governor’s proposal is an increase in the state’s gas tax by 6.5% and to spend $2.8 billion on metropolitan transit projects such as light rail. If Governor Dayton is honest about his intent to improve all of Minnesota’s roads and bridges then we have to re-prioritize money away from light rail boondoggles and bike trails in the Twin Cities to real roads and bridges around the state.
I am looking forward to our work in committee as we begin to take a look at the Governor’s budget recommendations in the coming weeks. We will use February’s budget forecast as a benchmark for assembling the House’s budget proposal. With hard work and input from constituents like you, we will be able to put together a budget that is reflective of the needs of all Minnesota, not just the Twin Cities metro area.
Events from the Past Week
Officials from Breckenridge were in St. Paul this week to discuss issues important to the City
Folks from the Pope County and Big Stone County Soil and Water Conservation District stopped by my office to discuss water quality issues
Members of the Stevens County Soil and Water Conservation District also stopped by St. Paul this week.
Keeping Connected
Please know that I am here to serve you and be your voice at the Capitol. I am eager to hear your suggestions on how we can make state government work better for all Minnesotans. I strongly believe that, with your input, we can continue to make Minnesota an outstanding place to live, work, and raise a family.
If you are planning on being in St. Paul this session, please feel free to contact my office by phone at 651-296-4929 or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn to set up an appointment. I would love to meet with you and talk about ways we can make Minnesota better. Again, it is an honor and privilege to represent you and your family for the next two years. I am here to be YOUR voice in St. Paul and it is a responsibility that I take very seriously.
Thanks and talk to you soon,
Jeff