Hello from St. Paul,
There are troubling numbers to report from our latest state budget forecast this week.
A projected surplus for this budget cycle is $160 million less than the previous projection. And a budget deficit for the next budget cycle has grown, now projected at $6 billion, which would rival the highest deficit in state history.
Thes poor budget numbers are the result of Democrat policies of overspending. Wasting an $18 billion surplus, raising taxes by $10 billion, and growing government by nearly 40% - all of these Democrat priorities are now baked into the budget. Not surprisingly, there isn’t enough taxpayer money to cover it all.
PRESERVING GIRLS’ SPORTS ACT DEBATED ON HOUSE FLOOR
A plan that would prevent boys in Minnesota from playing in girls’ sports received a full House floor debate this week. Riley Gaines joined us a at Capitol rally, and it was inspiring to see her passion for protecting female athletes.
Specifically, the House bill states that only students of the female sex (as assigned at birth) may participate in an elementary or secondary school athletic team or sport that an educational institution has restricted on the basis of sex to women or girls. If there is a dispute, a student must present a signed physician’s statement indicating the student’s sex is based solely on the student’s internal and external anatomy, natural occurring level of testosterone, and an analysis of the student’s chromosomes.
While I voted in favor of the plan, not one House Democrat voted yes on the bill, and it failed by one vote.
Girls should not be forced to play against boys in female athletics. This is not a bill to stop kids from playing sports, but it is a bill that will ensure fairness and safety for girls who want to play in girls’ athletic events.
RETURN FUTURE SURPLUSES TO THE TAXPAYER?
This week the House Rules Committee approved legislation that would allow voters to decide whether to amend the Constitution to guarantee future budget surpluses are returned to the taxpayers.
The bill would return any amount greater than 105% of current state spending to state income and property taxpayers.
Last session, we had an $18 billion budget surplus, and a Democrat-led legislature found dozens of ways not to give your money back. To me, if you’ve determined what you need to fund state government, and you refuse to return the excess amount beyond that total, that seems unethical.
DUTY TO RETREAT BILL HEARD ON THE HOUSE FLOOR
A bill that strengthens Minnesota’s right to defend themselves and their families was debated on the House floor this week. The legislation eliminates Minnesota’s “duty to retreat” status, which basically means a person must try to flee from a dangerous situation before use of force is considered justified and lawful.
Earlier this year, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued a ruling that significantly restricted Minnesotans' ability to defend themselves without facing prosecution. The bill discussed this week ensures that when law-abiding citizens act in self-defense, they aren’t forced to consider whether or not they can safely retreat.
I’ve received dozens of emails on this topic, all supporting the bill. Unfortunately, not one House Democrat voted in favor of it, meaning it also failed to pass by one vote.
NORTH ZUMBRO SANITARY SEWER DISTRICT BILL HEARD
My legislation that would help fund the North Zumbro Sanitary Sewer District was heard in the House Capital Investment Committee this week. It would serve residents in Goodhue, Zumbrota, Wanamingo, Pine Island, and the Prairie Island Indian Community by having a centrally located wastewater facility in Zumbrota. I helped secure $10 million for the project in 2023, and my bill this session would finish the job.
The bill would save taxpayers $50 million over the life of the project. Not only would it lower costs for all involved, but it would also better protect our environment.
Have a good weekend,
Steve