Dear Neighbors,
With spring in bloom and some promising news on the pandemic subsiding, there are reasons to be optimistic; especially amongst such a challenging year and other disheartening local news.
I want to be as positive as we can and thank you for the support and faith you have in us.
I am optimistic that in the end there are a handful of items I have been working on that will make you proud, however, policymaking is as challenging as ever.
The 2021 legislative session ended with a whimper on Monday afternoon—ending the least productive session in more than 40 years as zero budget bills were sent to the governor’s desk during the regular session. Now, the legislature will be required once again to return for a special session likely sometime in mid-June to finish putting together a two year budget.
On the final day of the session, a global budget “deal” was agreed to by the Governor, House Democrats, and Senate Republicans. It was more of an agreement to have an agreement and gave funding targets to the various finance committees. I’m disappointed to report that once again, final decisions on the budget have been decided by three individuals—Governor Walz, Speaker Hortman, and Senate Majority Leader Gazelka.
The reported “deal” is not a good one. It includes no end to the emergency powers, gives the governor control over federal COVID funding, does nothing to stop the California Cars mandate, and allows Governor Walz to have full veto power over any policy in final budget deals.
This is simply unacceptable and effectively silences the voice of the people, the legislature, and means that the governor will continue his unilateral rule over Minnesota.
Also, despite agreement on exempting PPP/UI loans from state taxes, the Senate Majority and House Majority refused to pass either bill on Monday. This makes no sense as these folks cannot wait for this badly needed relief and assurance it will happen.
There is no reason why we should be waiting to approve this important bill.
Special Session- Mid June
Not surprisingly, Democrats dropped their demands to increase taxes, which most everyone knew that there was little chance that tax increases would be part of a budget because of the state’s $4 billion budget surplus.
The citizens of Lakeville sent me to St. Paul to advocate for them and do our state’s business. It’s time for leaders to represent the voters that sent them to St. Paul and for the legislature to work together and finish our work. With overuse, (many say abuse) of the Governor's emergency powers, it becomes difficult to execute the co-equal role of the legislative branch.
Later I will focus on the areas I have worked on with bipartisan measures and hope for some successes and to avoid a June 30th shutdown. We anticipate a special session in mid-June, to pass the budget bills.
Town Hall Tomorrow – Empire Public Works Building
Saturday, May 22 at 9:00 AM
With Representative Garofalo and Senator Duckworth
Public Works Building, 2577 Vermillion River Trail, Farmington, MN 55024
The event is hosted by our local Senate District Republicans.
Walking our dog Charlie; he likes to make new friends, like Ziggy!
Other local events…
As we move into summer, I look forward to seeing you around enjoying the outdoors and community.
Please email us if there is a business, family event, graduation or neighborhood celebration to connect with you at. We always enjoy offering our congratulations and hearing from neighbors. Maybe we will see you at tomorrow morning’s Town Hall!
Jon Koznick
State Representative, Lakeville, 58A