Budget update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

 

Today legislators received what's known as the February budget forecast. This report gives the legislature a better picture of our financial situation as we start to put together our budget proposals for the next two years.

 

Here's what you need to know:

• Minnesota has a $1.869 billion budget surplus, up from about $1 billion last November.
• Part of the reason for the surplus is the recent drop in gas prices
• Other key areas like business investment and labor productivity continue to lag
• The surplus does not account for inflation costs

Now that we have a better picture of our budget situation, we will begin the process of putting together our budget proposals for the next two years. I am committed to finding ways to put more money back in your pockets, and focus our priorities on things like investing in roads and bridges, improving care for our seniors, and making sure students receive a world-class education. Families with more money to spend thanks to lower gas prices helped drive the improvement in our economy. We should continue that approach moving forward.

 

Please keep in contact with me as the budget continues to take shape. Your feedback helps guide my priorities as we put together our proposal in the weeks and months ahead. Reach me any time at rep.dave.baker@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-6206. Please also consider following my updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repdavebaker or on Twitter @DaveBakerMN.

 

Steve's Law

I spoke yesterday with KARE 11 about my reasons for supporting a bill to increase funding for Steve's Law, which gives first responders the ability to carry a drug has the potential to save countless lives by reversing the effects of an overdose. You can watch the story by clicking here. Mental health and addiction treatment are two issues that are huge for me, and that I will continue to work on during my time in Saint Paul.

 

Have a great weekend,

 

Dave Baker

State Representative, District 17B