Dear Neighbors,
We’ve wrapped up legislative business for 2017, and I’m extremely pleased with the result. Compromise is a word that I think best describes how things ended. The House was able to work with the Senate and governor’s office to craft budget bills that will help Minnesotans.
When we came into this session, we knew Minnesotans wanted tax relief, transportation funding, and more money for our local schools; our budget delivers all three. We worked toward a compromise, and came together to deliver a bipartisan, balanced budget that will help residents in our area and throughout the state.
Our tax relief bill totals $650 million, which is the largest tax cut in nearly two decades. This bill helps working families, farmers, small business owners, recent college graduates, and countless more. When we have a large budget surplus, it’s important to return it to Minnesotans.
Our road and bridge bill was also a big success. Instead of raising taxes, we were able to use existing resources to create a sizable road and bridge funding plan. It was the largest transportation bill without raising the gas tax or tab fees in almost a decade.
Lastly, we increased education funding by $1.3 billion, including 2% on the formula. This is a big bump for every school in the state to make sure our learners have the resources they need.
I’ll be sure to be in contact in the next few months, but, for this weekend, I’m going to enjoy some overdue time with my family. This long weekend, be sure to say a prayer for the men and women who lost their lives serving the United States of America. Memorial Day is a somber time, but it’s important to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Dave