|
Hello from St. Paul,
Another snowy week at the Capitol has ended, but the discussion surrounding Governor Tim Walz’s budget has only begun.
GOVERNOR’S BUDGET PROPOSAL
The governor released his budget proposal for the next two year budget cycle on Tuesday, and I was disappointed by the significant tax increases he proposed.
Under Governor Walz’s plan, if you drive a car you can expect to pay a lot more for the privilege. From excessive gas taxes to increasing the cost of health care, there’s little doubt that Minnesotans can expect to pay more in this budget, especially those of us in rural Minnesota who have to put more miles on our cars.
The Walz plan includes more than $3 billion in tax increases over the next two years alone. His proposal would raise Minnesota's gas tax by at least twenty cents per gallon - a massive 70 percent increase - vaulting Minnesota's gas tax to 4th highest in the nation.
It also includes increases to tab fees, the motor vehicle sales tax, business taxes, and reinstatement of the sick tax, which is set to expire at the end of the year, adding $1 billion to the cost of health care for Minnesotans over the next two years.
Like any budget plan, I found both good and bad points. His prioritization of broadband would be one area I strongly support. But overall, I found the plan to be far too costly.
That said, the governor has now given us a budget roadmap, which all lawmakers appreciate. From here the House and Senate will craft their own proposals, which I hope will contain fewer tax increases.
FREEBORN COUNTY AUDITOR/TREASURER/RECORDER DEBATE
Recently the Albert Lea Tribune wrote an article regarding the Freeborn County auditor/treasurer and recorder potions, and whether they should be changed from elected to appointed seats. I’d like to share some thoughts.
These changes cannot occur unless a state law is passed giving Freeborn County that authorization. The County came to me a number of weeks ago asking if I would carry that legislation.
I asked the County to do two things before I would agree to carry the bill. First, that the Board of Commissioners hold adequate public meetings to secure buy in from the public and to gather input. Secondly, that the Board take a recorded vote on this potential change, which would show its official support.
I do think the County has some valid points for wanting the change and that it might be a good idea. For the record, a number of counties in Minnesota already operate this way, so this isn’t an off-the-wall request.
However, I also think it’s critical for the public to weigh in. Clearly, this legislation would remove a voting privilege from the citizens, and that is something we should never take lightly.
With that in mind, I want to hear from Freeborn County residents. Please contact me with your opinion on this matter at rep.peggy.bennett@house.mn or call 651-296-8216.
LOCAL VISITORS
Yesterday, I had the joy of being job shadowed by Albert Lea High School senior Matthew Edwards. Matt is very interested in politics and spent the better part of the day watching committees, attending a multitude of meetings with me, and observing four bills being passed on the House floor.
I love it when young people, in particular, show an interest and get involved in the political process. It’s a right and a privilege and we need to pass that knowledge on to the next generation. One more note... a special bonus for me is that Matthew is one of my former first grade students - one of my “kids.” It was so fun to spend some time chatting with him and catching up on his life. He certainly has grown up to be an amazing young man who is very caring and intelligent. I had a wonderful time spending the day with him!
FREEBORN COUNTY COURTHOUSE TOUR
On Friday I took a fascinating tour of the Freeborn County Courthouse. Not only was I able to observe some court proceedings, but I also met with Judges Steven Schwab and Ross Leuning and Court Administrator Kristine Maiers to learn more about how the court systems work and the issues they see.
They discussed how drug courts and veterans’ treatment courts are working well in other parts of the state, and how it would be beneficial to have them in our area. They also shared how mental illness can be found in many of the people who stand before them accused of a crime, and how judges can be limited in sending these people to mental health facilities because there are so few available beds for them.
I really enjoyed the visit and learned a lot about how the judicial system operates locally and statewide. My thanks to the three of them for spending their time with me and sharing their input!
Have a great weekend,
Peggy
|