Friends,
Another week has passed in the Capitol, and I continue to work towards responsible solutions that keep Minnesota’s future bright for you and your family.
Discussing the Budget
On Tuesday, Governor Dayton presented his budget proposal. While he and I agree that we must fund education, transportation, and other important duties of government, we drastically disagree on the methods. Governor Dayton’s budget would increase overall state spending by $1,244 for every Minnesotan, increasing taxes in order to pay for the bloated MNsure program, rental space for the state office building, and private planes for the Governor and his commissioner. I look forward to discussing our alternatives to this disappointing plan.
Guaranteeing Local Control
Along with the Senate, I’ve introduced legislation that aims to curb the overreaching influence of the Metropolitan Council on local governments. As the former Mayor of Waconia, I believe that unelected leadership in Saint Paul cannot accurately represent our cities interests. It is imperative that we appoint Met Council leaders, and that they are presented before city councils so that our local communities can decide the individuals who best represent their interests.
Ensuring Government Responsibility
Last Tuesday, my colleagues and I took a tour of the Capitol construction, and we will soon be receiving data that will show us whether or not the project is on budget. I am excited to analyze these numbers and am committed to carefully reviewing the cost analysis of the construction project in order to ensure that your tax dollars are being spent wisely. Like a family, we must ensure that government is staying within its budget. I will work hard for you to ensure that we adhere to our budget in every facet.
Protecting Second Amendment Rights
On Monday, I introduced my first bill of the legislative session. My proposed legislation amends current state law to ensure a common-sense approach to carrying a permitted firearm in the State Capitol complex. In the status quo, if you hold a permit to carry and wish to exercise your right on the Capitol complex, you are required to give advanced notice to the Commissioner of Public Safety, who will then issue a reply confirming that you have notified them of your intent to carry. Under my bill, the successful issuance of your permit to carry constitutes notification of the Commissioner, saving you and the state time and money and cuts out an unnecessary step that can be accomplished by law enforcement officials who already have access to a comprehensive database of permit holders. I’m proud to put this bill before the House with bi partisan support, and am looking forward to discussing it with you and my colleagues as the session progresses.
Stay Connected
If your friends and neighbors have not signed up to receive my updates, encourage them to stay informed by signing up here. You can also follow me on Twitter and like me on Facebook. As always, please feel free to contact me about the issues that matter most to you and your family by meeting with me in my office in St. Paul or contacting me via email at rep.jim.nash@house.mn. You can set up a meeting with me at the Capitol by calling my Legislative Assistant at (651) 296-5999.
It is an honor to work for you in St. Paul.
Rep. Jim Nash