Lakeville friends and neighbors,
Before we reconvene this afternoon, I wanted to take a moment to update you on our budget negotiations.
Last night, the Senate and House reached a tentative agreement on budget targets. As conference committees meet this afternoon to deliberate over their bills, I’m confident that our new budget targets provide an appropriate and agreeable level of funding for our vital programs.
House Republicans worked hard to create a balanced and bipartisan solution in the Transportation committee that I serve on. I’m disappointed that Democrat’s insistence on increasing a gas tax has prohibited us from sending our House transportation proposal to the Governor.
On the bright side, our standing firm in opposition to the Democrat’s transportation plan saves $1.6 billion in tax and fee increases, protecting a typical family from paying $600 more per year at the gas pump. I am hopeful and anticipate that we will be able to provide unspent fund balance for our roads and bridges in the second half of the biennium.
I will update you early next week as we continue our debate over budget bills.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Rep. Jon Koznick