Dear Neighbors,
Things are busy in St. Paul as committees are beginning to put together massive omnibus bills that will represent the entirety of the state’s new, two-year budget. While there are still many details that need to be ironed out in each of these bills, some of the bigger picture is starting to come into focus.
The sheer amount of new spending that is going to be included in these bills is staggering. When all is said and done, we’ll likely be looking at a nearly $70 billion state budget which is a 35 percent increase in spending. Most of this spending will be permanent and ongoing. This sad reality means that we are almost guaranteed to have a deficit very soon.
This legislation includes many unfunded mandates and increased taxes for all Minnesotans. This is unacceptable at a time when the state has a $17.5 billion budget surplus.
More details to come as these bills are finalized and begin moving to the House Floor for votes. Rest assured, I will be a “no” on most if not all of these bills.
Protecting Minnesotans
Legislation I am co-authoring is making its way through the legislative process here in St. Paul. House File 615 would increase criminal penalties for the illegal sale and illegal possession of fentanyl and requires law enforcement training on opioid overdose and patrol officers to carry an opioid antagonist (Narcan).
This is a commonsense bill that will go a long way in helping keep our communities safe from these extremely dangerous pills. It’s no secret that overdoses from opioids are causing heartbreak for families across Minnesota. This legislation is the right thing to do for those families and to make sure future Minnesotans do not suffer from this terrible drug.
Respecting your Tax Dollars
News emerged this week that Gov. Walz and his family will be relocating to a $17,000-a-month lakeside mansion later this year during renovations at the St. Paul governor’s residence.
You read that right, Gov. Walz is spending $17,000 a month of your hard-earned tax dollars to rent a lakeside mansion for the next 18 months while his Summit Avenue home is renovated.
A simple Google search reveals dozens, if not hundreds, of cheaper rental options that would serve Walz’s needs. This is just the latest tone-deaf example from the administration.
Staying in Touch
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to share any thoughts or concerns you may have about state government or the job I'm doing as your representative. It would be great to talk with you. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-8237 or via email at rep.brian.daniels@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Brian