Dear Neighbors,
Thanks to the thousands of pro-life Minnesotans that attended Sunday’s 50th annual March for Life. Despite some of the problematic bills that have been moving through the legislature, it was good to gather together in a showing of support for the unborn and for women. I will continue to be a strong advocate for mothers, the unborn, and all Minnesotans.
Gov. Walz Budget Proposal
On Tuesday, Gov. Walz released his budget proposal. The proposal is a formality and a conversation starter as the debate surrounding the new two-year budget begins to pick up steam. A reminder that it is the sole responsibility of the legislature to appropriate your tax dollars.
In total, the governor is proposing to spend more than $65 billion. This is nearly a 25% increase in spending when compared to the budget that was approved in 2021. Such drastic growth in government is reckless and unsustainable especially when a recession could be right around the corner.
Additionally, the governor is proposing significant tax increases. This is unacceptable at a time when Minnesota has a $17.5 billion budget surplus. The surplus is proof that you have been overtaxed and as a result, we should be giving it back to you.
I look forward to digging into the budget proposal more in the coming weeks.
Blackout Bill
This week, the Minnesota House approved an energy bill that will require electric utilities in the state to generate or acquire 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2040. I voted “no” on the bill.
Put simply, the bill is unaffordable, unreliable, and unconstitutional.
It is unaffordable because these new mandates will cause electric bills to go up $1,600 per year per household in Minnesota. It could also destroy 79,000 jobs here in the state.
It is unreliable because it would not provide the base power generation that we need to heat our homes. Energy needs to be reliable and safe, the mandates in this bill would result in neither. Other states that have implemented similar mandates, like California, have seen massive, rolling blackouts.
It is unconstitutional because it may violate the interstate commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution. North Dakota has already warned that if the legislation is signed into law, they may bring a lawsuit against Minnesota.
Hopefully, the Senate can put some amendments on the bill to make it more reasonable and less extreme.
Staying in Touch
It was nice to meet with many of you that attended Thursday’s Minnesota Gun Owners Lobby Day at the Capitol. As your representative, I will stand for and protect your 2nd Amendment rights.
As always, it is critical that you communicate to me any thoughts, questions, or concerns you may have. Please never hesitate to reach out to me whether it’s via phone or email. I can be reached at 651-296-4293 or via email at rep.mike.wiener@house.mn.gov. It would be an honor to speak with you.
Until next time, have a great weekend,
Mike