Dear Neighbor,
It’s the time of the session where omnibus bills are the main focus at the Capitol, and House Democrats are in the process of assembling finance packages for various parts of our state budget in the next biennium.
This comes after House and Senate Democrats and Gov. Tim Walz announced last week they have reached agreement on the overall framework for our state’s next two-year budget plan. It increases state spending by almost $18 billion for the next biennium, blowing through the state’s $17.5 billion surplus and then some. This represents a nearly 40-percent increase to the state’s current $52 billion biennial budget, bringing our new General Fund spending total to $71.9 billion.
Tax relief accounts for a rather small portion of their proposal, and Democrat leaders have not committed to fully repealing the state tax on Social Security. It is concerning that, despite a $17.5 billion surplus, they propose increasing taxes. The House transportation package alone raises taxes and fees by at least $4 billion ($1.71 billion in 2024-25, and by more than $2.2 billion in 2026-27).
Also, at a time half of Minnesota’s students unable to read proficiently at grade level, we need to make sure taxpayer dollars provided for education are being used to address this basic problem and support achievement in core subjects. Unfortunately, mandates the governor and House majority propose could end up costing our local districts even more than the historic funding increase they propose, resulting in a net loss. Our local school districts know how to best use these dollars and local flexibility should be provided.
I am in the process of taking a closer look at these omnibus finance bills and will circle back with more details as we work through the process.
In other news:
SAFER ACT
In my last newsletter, I mentioned how gun-control bills are being buried in an omnibus finance package that also provides funding for law enforcement. In particular, language from H.F. 14 (universal gun registration and H.F. 15 (red flag confiscation orders) are included in the majority’s 312-page public safety omnibus bill.
Nearly 80 county sheriffs in Minnesota have signed letters objecting to these proposals. If House Democrats disagree with the sheriffs’ expert opinions and want to pass legislation taking away constitutional rights of law-abiding Minnesotans, then let’s bring those bills forward as stand-alone measures and vote for them on their own merits.
Regardless, these gun-control bills fail to get to the heart of the matter on this issue: mental health. I am proud to be championing a package of four bills that actually does focus on core issues and the mental health of human beings. The bills are H.F. 3133, 3134, 3135, and 3136 Together, they are called the SAFER Act:
- Supporting Law Enforcement
- Accountability Resources for County Attorneys
- Facilities for Mental Health Care
- Education for Responsible Gun Ownership and Respect for Life
- Responsibility
The main objectives include: Increasing mental health and drug treatment centers, particularly in Greater Minnesota. Right now, if someone is civilly committed as a dangerous person, the only facilities that will take them are St. Peter and Anoka. It would be beneficial to add more bed space statewide. The package also increases criminal penalties for violent crimes. This addresses a trend where violent offenders are released or sentenced too lightly for their offenses.
Everything we’re doing here is geared toward working with people and seeing to it they get the help they need instead of just slapping them with penalties and letting deeper concerns fester and mount into something bigger. It addresses issues head-on, without compromising the rights of law-abiding citizens.
Watch for more soon and, as always, your input is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Matt