Neighbors,
This week we introduced our transportation plan and budget priorities. I’m confident that our plan presents a promising future for Minnesota.
Road and Bridge Act of 2015
Our transportation agenda, the Road and Bridge Act of 2015, was introduced on Monday morning. The act ensures a steady flow of investments in our transportation infrastructure in the short term and long term, investing more than $7 billion over a ten-year period to ensure a reduction in traffic congestion and an increase in safety.
Budget Priorities
On Tuesday, we introduced our priorities and targets for the 2015-2016 budget. We firmly believe that government budgets should not grow faster than family budgets. In fact, our budget proposal is nearly $4 billion less than the Governor’s proposal. While our budget stunts the growth of government, it continues to invest in the services that provide a bright future for our state: quality education for every child, critical investments in transportation infrastructure, and ensuring quality long-term care for our aging and vulnerable populations.
Bills Approach Second Committee Deadline
HF1544, which reduces the tax on premium cigars, continues to move through committee and gain support from my colleagues. Minnesota loses business to bordering states on a daily basis due to our high tax on already expensive premium cigars. My bill ensures that Minnesota smoke shops and tobacco resellers can continue to stay competitive by reducing the tax on premium cigars by $3.00 – from $3.50 in the status quo to just $0.50 per cigar. The bill was heard in Taxes committee on Wednesday.
I’m committed to continuing to solve legislative problems that impact my constituents and their businesses. My bill to allow micro distilleries to sell their products on-site, HF1509, will help businesses like Waconia’s own J. Carver. I’m proud to have my bill included in the liquor omnibus bill.
Many of you have reached out to me to express your concern over HF97, which would provide driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. The bill hearing was switched to an information-only hearing, which will not allow it to become legislation.
Legislative Survey
Please take my 2015 Legislative Survey to provide feedback on the major issues we encounter at the legislature. Your thoughts are very important to me, and I look forward to hearing how my district would solve many of the pressing topics we debate in the House!
Legislative Break
Next week marks the official start of our one week legislative break. I am looking forward to spending the week in our community and celebrating Easter with my family. I hope that you all have a blessed Easter and Passover with your families!
Please continue to stay in touch to share your thoughts on the topics addressed in my emails and on the House floor. I always value the opportunity to bring your comments to my colleagues in meetings and debates! You can schedule an appointment to meet with me in St. Paul by calling my Legislative Assistant, Natalie, at (651) 296-5999. You can also email me directly at rep.jim.nash@house.mn.
It is an honor to work for you.
Rep. Jim Nash