Next week is the presidential primary. You can get involved in the political process this Tuesday, March 5th by voting for your preferred presidential nominee and shape the 2024 election. Early voting has already started and you can find your polling place for Tuesday or to vote ahead of time here: Voter Information Portal (mn.gov) Wednesday morning was the memorial service for the three first responders who were killed in the line of duty in Burnsville. Thousands of Minnesotans showed up to attend the service with even more across the state waving flags and joining other community vigils. Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and paramedic Adam Finseth were dedicated public servants and will be greatly missed by their community. My heart goes out to the family, friends, and Minnesotans who are mourning their devastating loss. We must remember and support the brave men and women who every day risk their lives to keep us safe. This week the February Forecast was released by MMB projecting the economic outlook for state government. While the short term shows a surplus caused by the 10 billion dollars in runaway tax increases last year, the next biennium's budget is going to start with more than $1.5 billion in deficit. This report is a clear indication that we need to restore fiscal responsibility to Saint Paul, reduce wasteful spending, and more responsibly manage Minnesotan’s tax dollars. |