Dear Lakeville Neighbors,
Happy Sunday. I know the weather isn’t cooperating this weekend, but I hope everyone had good luck at the Lakeville Citywide Garage Sales! It’s a fun event for our city, and helps us get out and interact with our neighbors and our garages get cleaned out. Last year, I tried to use garage sales to teach the kids how to manage money, but I think I only taught them how to spend. Oops. This year I wasn’t able to make it to any of the sales as we’re staying camped out at the Capitol.
End of Session
We will be adjourning as prescribed on Monday at midnight, and are working hard to compromise with both the Senate and the governor’s office to craft and pass responsible budget bills. We have been trying to get serious engagement from the Executive Branch. Friday, the Legislative Branch decided that we needed to proceed without Gov. Dayton and began to craft a second full budget and do the work of the administration and proceed either with or without Gov. Dayton.
Late yesterday afternoon, the Governor allowed some of his commissioners’ authority to negotiate for their departments. I’m hopeful that the furry of work ahead of us in the next 24 hours will be productive and lead to progress on many of the items we agree on. Both the legislature and the governor’s office have seen strides toward a compromise, just in the last day. It’s clear we all want to pass a budget on time.
Though we’re moving closer, it’s unfortunate that we are being pushed to finish this late. We know this is sometimes the case, which is why we passed a balanced budget earlier this month that was vetoed. I remain confident we can finish our work before we adjourn, and I am proud to be here serving you and confident we will ultimately have a budget deal passed.
Our Shared Values Are What Unite Us
When passed, this will be the second balanced budget approved by the legislature after Governor Dayton vetoed our first attempt. I believe we have a duty to present a fiscally responsible budget that reflects the priorities of Minnesotans.
We’re trying to pass and prioritize tax relief, a road and bridge plan, and a funding plan for local schools with over $18.5 Billion over the next two years, and funding for our public safety, job growth agenda and environment and more. I am hopeful, that despite compromise these areas will still have meaningful funding.
I’m proud to advocate for the transportation needs of Dakota County and our entire state as part of the transportation conference committee.
Democracy is an interesting and amazing process, and I’m honored to represent you, especially in these crucial remaining days. I’m blessed knowing of your support back in Lakeville, and thankful for your emails. I’ll be sure to update after we work through this weekend and into Monday. I may use Twitter for more current happenings.
Enjoy your week, I really can’t wait to spend days back in lovely Lakeville.
Jon Koznick
State Representative, Lakeville