Friends,
It was another week filled with meetings, budget news, visits from students who grew up in our district, and Bemidji Day. Read about all that and see me in my very best plaid vest below. Have a great weekend!
Nurses & Firefighter Safety Bill
On Thursday I presented my bill to protect medical personnel & firefighters by increasing the penalties for physically attacking them to be equal to that of attacking police. As a retired police officer, I know firsthand that firefighters and medical personnel put themselves in vulnerable and dangerous positions in service to the public just as often as police officers. They deserve the same protection and making penalties for attacking them equal to attacking police officers is the right thing to do.
The Minnesota Nurses Association is extremely supportive of my bill and it is bipartisan with two dozen co-sponsors in the House. It was positively received in committee and has been laid over for possible inclusion in a larger public safety reform bill.
You can read my release on this bill by clicking here.
Bemidji Day
Wednesday, March 1st was Bemidji Day at the Capitol where Bemidji civic and business leaders came to Saint Paul to talk about the key issues facing Bemidji and the surrounding area. It was great to see so many people from our area with their plaid vests on proudly representing our community.
I enjoyed being able to chat with some familiar faces and meet new ones who all care deeply about keeping our community strong. I am honored to represent our community and hope you will continue to engage and let me know how I can best represent our area.
Rep. Grossell with constituents from the Bemidji area
$1.65 Billion Surplus
Minnesota has a $1.65 billion surplus forecasted for the 2018-19 biennium. While this is good news as it means Minnesota's economy is strong and projected to continue growing, it also means that Minnesotans are being taxed far more than is necessary.
It's now time for us to get to work to put together a budget that funds our shared priorities - like education, taking care of our seniors, and fixing our roads and bridges - while respecting the hard-working tax payers. Making sure Minnesotans keep more of their money through passing significant tax relief is a top priority of mine.
Rep. Bliss, Speaker Daudt, and Rep. Grossell celebrating Bemidji Day at the Capitol
Rep. Grossell with two college students who grew up in our district
Please continue to stay in touch to share our thoughts or concerns. My phone number is 651-296-4265 or you can email me at rep.matt.grossell@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Matt