Dear Neighbors,
It’s been a very busy week in St. Paul with hours-long debates on a variety of budget bills. Before I get started, I want to take a moment to encourage you to make sure the family of Pope County Deputy Sheriff, Josh Owen, is in your prayers. Deputy Owen was tragically killed in the line of duty last weekend. May he rest in peace.
Transportation Bill
On Wednesday, the House approved a transportation budget bill that raises taxes on Minnesotans by $3.5 billion. Tax increases of any kind, especially in the billions, make no sense when the state has a $17.5 billion budget surplus.
We can properly fund our road and bridge infrastructure needs without raising taxes and without spending hundreds of millions on transit projects.
Here are some of the proposed taxes in the bill:
- Metro Area Sales Tax Increase totaling more than $2 billion. This will affect my constituents who make sales taxable purchases in Anoka and Hennepin counties.
- $513 million via a new “delivery” tax that would impact Amazon deliveries, DoorDash, Pizza shops, and everything in between.
- $736 million in license tab fee increases.
- $215 million via a Motor Vehicle Sales Tax increase.
The bill also includes $194 million in spending to pay for a passenger train to Duluth.
I voted “NO” on this bill.
Environment and Energy Bill
If there’s one thing that all Minnesotans can support, it’s making sure that future generations can enjoy the amazing, God-given natural resource our state has been blessed with. Unfortunately, this year’s environment and energy budget bill does not measure up.
The bill will raise $36 million in new fees that will make it more expensive to fish, hunt, enjoy our state parks, and use your boat in Minnesota.
The bill also significantly increased spending and grows bureaucracy.
Like the transportation bill, this was an easy “NO” vote.
Veterans Bill
On a more positive note, we unanimously approved a veterans bill earlier this week. The bill passed on a 131-0 vote and was proof that there are still things we do here in St. Paul that can earn the support of everyone.
This was about doing the right thing for the brave men, women, and their families that have served our nation. We thank you!
Staying in Touch
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