Friends and neighbors,
As we reach the end of the legislative session, conference committees have already begun to meet to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions of our budget bills. I remain committed to doing what I was sent to the Capitol to do: be a watchdog of your taxpayer dollars while continuing to ensure that our children receive a strong education, our elderly and vulnerable are cared for in great facilities with caring staff members, and our economy remains strong for our families and businesses.
I wanted to take a moment to provide you with the results of my 2015 Legislative Survey. Thank you to those of you that responded to my survey and provided me with comments about how we can better improve Minnesota for future generations.
When it comes to transportation, our district stands solidly united against Governor Dayton’s plan to add a half-percent increase in the sales tax to fund transit projects (76.32% opposed) and a 6.5% increase in the fuel tax (82.33% opposed). I’m happy to report that our transportation and tax budgets, passed in the last few weeks, does not include a tax increase in either of those areas, but continues to ensure safe roads for our district and statewide.
A majority of survey respondents (51.29%) support using the surplus to provide tax relief. Likewise, 42.58% of you belief providing tax reliefs and incentives will help us grow jobs in Minnesota. Our tax plan provides $2 billion in tax relief for every Minnesotan, from college students to families with young children, business owners, veterans, farmers, and others.
Many of you have concerns about the Metropolitan Council, and would support a plan to elect Met Council members at the district level (63.5%) or make the Governor’s appointments subject to the voters of the city councils within the Met Council district (28.9%). As the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Metropolitan Council Accountability and Transparency, I continue to author legislation that adds accountability to Met Council decisions and ensures true representation by member districts.
Thank you again for providing me with feedback relating to the major policies we discuss here in the legislature. I am thankful for the time you took to fill out and return my Legislative Survey.
Finally, a very Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers in our district. I am so thankful for the investment my wife Kim has made to develop our six children into wonderful young men and women. I hope that all Minnesota moms have a wonderful weekend celebrating their hard work and sacrifice.
Please continue to stay in touch as we reach the end of the session. You can reach me via email at (651) 295-5999 or via email at rep.jim.nash@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Rep. Jim Nash