Dear Neighbor,
Greetings from the House, where the 2024 session continues flying by, with only six full weeks remaining before our May 20 date for adjournment. Will it end with a bang, or a whimper? Only time will tell, but I’ll do my best to keep you in the loop. Here are a few things to keep an eye on:
Northern Lights
A bill I have authored to support the local Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative received a hearing from the House Capital Investment Committee this week (pictured above). State funding helps ensure students with the highest needs in rural areas, such as ours, have the same access to quality education as people in other parts of the state. Northern Lights serves 12 school districts and funding would help consolidate their efforts and expand services to better meet local needs for this core function. No action was taken on the bill and I remain hopeful it will be included in a package at the end of the session.
More spending
Minnesota already is facing a budget shortfall in the next biennium, but the hole could get even deeper because of a plan the governor and legislative Democrats recently issued to spend half a billion more tax dollars.
You may remember it was just last spring when they spent the $18 billion surplus and raised taxes by $10 billion to increase state spending by 40 percent. The latest agreement reached by those in full control of the Capitol spends at least $512.5 million more in 2024-25.
This approach is irresponsible and unaffordable. We should be working to get spending under control, not increasing it at an even more unsustainable pace.
Emergency services shorted
Unfortunately, this new spending proposal does not fully fund the critical needs of our emergency medical services across the state. Providers are struggling under the current “fee-for-service” model, which has left rural areas of the state with decreasing access to ambulances and other EMS options.
Also, due to technicalities, local firefighters are shortchanged and working to receive more support from St. Paul. I continue discussing this issue with people in the area to determine how they can best serve local citizens. If the governor and legislative majorities really want to spend more money, the least they can do is put it toward core services of our government, namely public safety.
Local visitors
Thanks to visitors who came to my office for AFSCME Day at the Capitol (above) and to advocate for Save Care Carlton (below). I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on issues impacting your particular interests.
Sales tax increase?
With full control of the Capitol, Democrats last year increased the sales tax by 1 percent in the Twin Cities metro area at an estimated taxpayer cost $3 billion over the next four years. Concern is growing that, with continued control of our government, they may look to push that tax increase statewide. I recently called out a committee chair during a meeting to make sure the House majority’s intent is not to take this tax increase statewide, but let’s just say his response didn’t exactly ease anyone’s concerns. This is something I will keep an eye on and encourage people in our district to watch this issue as well because members of the majority need to know they cannot take more from taxpayers that already suffered a $10 billion tax hit from legislation they enacted a matter of months ago.
Habitat grants
I encourage area residents to apply for $150 million in state grants available to aid Minnesota habitat restoration, protection and enhancement.
The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council recently issued its annual Call for Funding Request from the Outdoor Heritage Fund. The process is competitive and open to all who wish to apply.
These grants will help fund wildlife projects all around our state and I encourage people from our area to look into whether funding could be available to them. The LSOHC staff has indicated it welcomes outreach from citizens and is happy to discuss ideas, answer questions or provide guidance any number of ways.
Proposal requirements and terms of funding are outlined in the Call for Funding Request. To view details or learn more, visit: www.lsohc.mn.gov. For answers to specific questions, contact LSOHC Staff: www.lsohc.mn.gov/staff.
The OHF is one of four funds established as a result of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, passed by Minnesota voters in November of 2008.
Have a good weekend and please let me know how I can be of help!
Sincerely,
Jeff