Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Two big items this week: the rollout of the Republican transportation proposal, and our budget targets for the 2016-2017 budget.
Transportation Plan
Our plan is pretty simple: Invest the $7 billion needed to ensure quality roads and bridges over the next ten years without an increase in the gas tax.
The $7 billion comes from:
-Existing sales tax collections on things like auto parts, vehicle leases, and rental cars
-Bonding
-A small part of the state's $1.869 billion surplus
The Governor and Senate DFL plan would be about a 16 cent per gallon tax increase if gas prices remain where they are now, and would rise even higher if prices return to $3.00 or $4.00 per gallon.
I am committed to finding a long-term solution to fix our state roads and bridges. I'm open to all ideas and am excited that we now have two proposals to debate in the coming weeks.
Budget Targets
The House GOP budget proposal is a budget that will make sure state government is not growing faster than family budgets. Here is a chart comparing our proposal to the Governor's. The yellow/orange line shows the median household income.
Our budget increases spending on education, will make investments in nursing homes and transportation, and includes about $2 billion in tax cuts. It's important that we keep spending under control so government can remain affordable for all Minnesotans.
Transportation Meeting
I'm thrilled to welcome House Speaker Kurt Daudt to Willmar tomorrow to discuss our transportation proposal and visit with some of our local leaders who have been at the forefront pushing a long-term transportation plan. You are invited to attend tomorrow's meeting at Northern States Supply (600 Industrial Drive, Willmar, MN) at 10:00AM.
As we enter the Easter and Passover break I want to thank everyone for all your emails and thoughts. I am so honored to be here for Kandiyohi County and I will be in the district next week Wednesday through the weekend. Please don't hesitate to contact me either by email at
rep.dave.baker@house.mn or by phone at
651-296-6206.
Dave Baker
State Representative, District 17B