Dear Neighbors,
The House and Senate Republican Rural Caucuses held a turkey burger feed at the State Capitol on Tuesday to show support for Minnesota turkey producers affected by the avian flu crisis sweeping across the state. We wanted to convey the message that Minnesota-grown turkey is safe to eat despite the current breakout. In total, we served over 500 turkey burgers in an hour. Thanks to everyone who came out and enjoyed a delicious turkey burger for a great cause.
Here I am pictured with Governor Dayton and Speaker Kurt Daudt serving staff and members
Also taking place this week was the passage of our Agriculture Finance bill. This bill funds agriculture and rural development programs for the next two years. Along with appropriations for the Department of Agriculture, the Agriculture Utilization Research Institute, and the Board of Animal Health, $108 million is appropriated in our proposal to address food safety and help rural Minnesotans and farmers in a number of ways, including additional funding to assist turkey producers affected by the avian flu outbreak.
Thank you to those of you that took time to complete my legislative survey. I appreciated hearing from so many of you and value your input on a number of issues that are being debated here in St. Paul. Here are the results from this year’s survey.
Governor Dayton and the Senate DFL majority have proposed adding a 6.5% sales tax to fuel sales, equaling about 16 cents a gallon to fund transportation projects. Do you support this proposal?
Yes: 28%
No: 62%
Undecided: 10%
Currently, in tight budgeting times, school districts make layoff decisions based on teacher seniority. Some legislators are advocating for a reform that allows schools to also consider teacher effectiveness in those decisions. Do you support making this change?
Yes: 73%
No: 16%
Undecided: 11%
From your perspective, what is the best way to grow jobs in Minnesota? (check all that apply)
Increase state funding for construction projects across Minnesota: 13%
Pass tax relief and incentives to encourage business growth and job creation: 23%
Limit state spending to the amount of revenue taken in and slow government growth: 22%
Use surplus funds to offer income tax relief so taxpayers can keep more of their hard earned money: 15%
Raise their taxes and increase spending on state programs: 5%
Increase education funding and focus on workforce development: 19%
Other: 5%
The November forecast showed that Minnesota is projected to have a $1 billion surplus for Minnesota's 2016-2017 budget. What should the legislature do with that money?
Increase Spending: 20%
Return it to Taxpayers: 36%
Keep it in the Reserves: 44%
What is the best approach for addressing the problems with the Obamacare exchange in Minnesota, MNsure?
It isn’t working, repeal it entirely: 36%
It can be fixed by enacting significant reforms: 20%
It’s working, keep as it currently: 20%
Give Minnesotans more options outside of MNsure: 19%
Undecided: 5%
Do you believe state funding for nursing homes and long-term care programs for seniors and the disabled should be:
Increased: 66%
Kept the same: 27%
Reduced: 3%
Undecided: 5%
More than 34% of all abortions in Minnesota are paid with tax dollars. Do you support this?
Yes: 25%
No: 64%
Undecided: 10%
As always, please feel free to contact my office by phone at 651-296-4929 or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn to discuss any questions you may have regarding state government. I would love to speak with you about ways we can make Minnesota better. It is an honor and privilege to represent you and your family. I am here to be YOUR voice in St. Paul and it is a responsibility that I take very seriously.
Jeff