Dear Friends,
Another busy week has come to an end. Committee work and meetings with constituents and other groups at the Capitol are keeping me busy as we near the end of February. I can't believe it's already the end of our second month here in Saint Paul.
Yesterday the House voted overwhelmingly to pass what's known as the deficiency bill, which includes funding for state agencies such as the Department of Health, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota Zoo to deal with unexpected and unforeseen expenses that have caused budget shortfalls. Our bill asks agencies to live within their means, giving most only part of the funding they requested, and asking the agencies to find other money in their budgets to close the funding gaps.
In addition, yesterday's bill also addressed the pay raise issue that's been making headlines at the Capitol for the past two weeks. After a great deal of public outcry over more than $800,000 in pay raises by the Governor, the legislature voted to remove the Governor's authority to single-handedly increase commissioner salaries, a power that was given to him by the DFL-controlled legislature in 2013. The bill also freezes salaries at pre-pay increase level.
When it comes to salaries for commissioners, I believe the public should have a seat at the table and a voice in the process. That's why I was glad to see the legislature restore its oversight in the salary process, so the public can have a chance to weigh in on future pay raises.
Pizza with Peggy
I will be holding a listening session at Jake's Pizza in Wells on Saturday, March 07 from 12:00PM-1:30PM. I hope you'll consider stopping by to share your thoughts on session so far, and what issues are on your mind. I plan to hold additional listening sessions in other parts of the district in the coming weeks.
You can find full details, RSVP (not required), and invite your friends to the event on my Facebook page here.
If you can't make it, please don't hesitate to send me your thoughts, comments, and questions at rep.peggy.bennett@house.mn or by calling 651-296-8216.
Have a great weekend,
Peggy Bennett
State Representative, District 27A