Dear Neighbors,
This week, we wrapped up debate and votes on the remaining omnibus budget and policy bills. For the last two weeks, we have been on the House Floor until midnight or later most nights. As always, it is an honor to represent you, your family, and the Iron Range in St. Paul.
Education Bill
Late last week, the House approved this year’s education bill. Like all of you, I value our incredible local schools and the amazing work our teachers, administrators, and more do to educate students. Your work does not go unnoticed, thank you!
Unfortunately, this year’s bill puts mandates over students and takes away local control from our school districts. Supporters will say this is a historic investment in schools, but with all of the added mandates and administrative bureaucracy many districts will be left with more difficult budget situations than they are experiencing now.
I am proud of the alternative that we offered. You can see the difference between the two plans below.
Public Safety
I’ve been very clear during my time serving as your elected representative, that I am a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment. Simply put, I will not vote for bills that infringe on the right of law-abiding Minnesotans to keep and bear arms.
The inclusion of two controversial gun control bills that would establish a de-facto gun registry and likely turn law-abiding citizens into criminals if they fail to follow a new, complex transfer process and a “red-flag” law that raises serious concerns regarding due process and civil rights were reason enough to not support this bill.
Unfortunately, the bill also included policies that will put violent felons back on the streets by allowing them to serve only half of their prison sentence. This sort of move will make Minnesota less safe and is not representative of the priorities of our communities.
During debate on the bill, I spoke about the proposal I have been working on with Rep. Bliss that takes a different and more effective approach to keeping our communities safe. The SAFER Act would make significant investments in mental health care to make sure we’re addressing root causes of violence. You can see my comments on this proposal by clicking here or the photo below.
Tax Bill
Thursday saw the passage of the tax bill. Unfortunately, this bill raises $2.2 billion in taxes and fails to fully repeal state taxes on social security benefits. Many of you have reached out this year asking that I support a full repeal of this unfair tax on these benefits. I voted in favor of a provision that would have included a full repeal in the bill, sadly it was voted down.
Minnesota remains just one of 11 states that still tax social security benefits and it looks like that won’t be ending any time soon.
Staying in Touch
Please continue to reach out to me to share what’s on your mind. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4936 or via email at rep.spencer.igo@house.mn.gov
Have a great day,
Spencer