Dear Neighbors,
Things continue to pick up speed in St. Paul as committees are feverishly meeting to ensure that all bills that need to receive a hearing are heard. The first committee deadline is less than a week away, meaning that legislation must receive at least one committee hearing by Friday in order for it to continue its way through the legislative process. It should be a busy week!
Expect a MNLARS reform bill to be passed sometime in the next week or so and additional legislation to bring down the costs of health care. As for myself, I continue working on clean water and other environmental issues to ensure the Lakes Area remains a top recreational destination for the upper Midwest.
Late last month, we received positive economic news when the Minnesota Management and Budget Office (MMB) revealed that the state is projected to have a $329 million surplus for the remainder of the biennium. This is a dramatic turnaround from the $188 million deficit that was projected in December.
The report indicated that much of surplus can be accounted for tax reform that has in turn bolstered the economy. In fact, monthly revenue reports from Minnesota’s tax department have shown collections are above projections by hundreds of millions of dollars in some cases. Despite the lower rates, the state is taking in more revenue.
This shows that tax reform at both the federal and state levels is working. Period.
As you recall, last year, we passed the largest piece of tax reform in two decades here in Minnesota. The relief was targeted at seniors, students, and families. It's good to see these reforms having a positive impact on our state economy.
One of the best parts of my job as your representative is getting to meet with folks from our area that are visiting the Capitol. If you plan on being in St. Paul anytime this year, please do not hesitate to contact me or my office to set up a visit. It would be great to meet with you!
That’s all for this week, as always, I encourage you to reach out to me if you have any questions or comments regarding state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 or via email at rep.josh.heintzeman@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Josh