Dear Neighbors,
With the holiday season upon us, I wanted to take one more opportunity to reach out to you with an update from the State Capitol.
Budget Forecast
Minnesota Management and Budget recently announced the latest state economic forecast. Budget officials project a $17.6 billion surplus for the coming biennium. After one-time expenses are factored in, that leaves about $6 billion in ongoing funding for lawmakers to consider this coming session.
Some level of economic security remains, but make no mistake: the budget outlook gives the tremendous capacity to improve people’s lives. Minnesotans will count on state leaders to take advantage of this golden opportunity to boost investments in our students, make health care more affordable, help strengthen economic security – including in our rural communities, and to help people and families overcome the rising costs they’re experiencing every day.
Additional details about the forecast are available here.
New Laws
A series of New Laws take effect on January 1 based on bills lawmakers passed this past session. Of note, they include a couple of consumer protection provisions and a new requirement for postnatal care. Read the full list here.
Thank You
While my time as a state legislator comes to a close, I want to sincerely thank you for the opportunity to serve the region I get to call home. The culture, the history, the natural resources, the economy, and – of course – the people, all make the Iron Range one of the most unique places in our entire state. We’ve faced our share of ups and downs, and we know there will be challenges left for us to navigate. However, we’re resilient and have demonstrated our ability to persevere. The potential for new opportunities is always there in front of us, and I’m hopeful we can all work together to seize the moments as they present themselves.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed and thrive, and this coming session, I’m hopeful Governor Walz and lawmakers will work together to build a state that works better for everyone. Whether in office or not, I plan to remain vocal and involved, and I hope you will continue to engage with your elected leaders about the issues that impact you and your family. While this chapter of my public service may be coming to a close, I look back proud of what we accomplished together, and am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to be a member of the Minnesota House. Thank you all!
I wish you and your family a festive, happy holiday season. Merry Christmas!
Together,
Julie Sandstede
State Representative