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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Bob Dettmer (R)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Bob Dettmer

Friday, May 10, 2019

Hello from the State Capitol,

 

We are nearly one week in to budget negotiations between the House, Senate, and Governor’s Office, and the Democrats have refused to take one penny of their $12 billion in tax increases off the table.

 

The Minnesota Senate has said it will not support tax increases this session, especially considering we have a $1 billion budget surplus. I agree, there is no need to raise taxes on your health care or to implement a 20-cent per gallon gas tax increase as House Democrats and Governor Walz have proposed.

 

The House budget also includes many other provisions that are problematic, including a $68 million cut to nursing homes, cutbacks to the Positive Alternatives for Women program, and forcing sex education curriculum developed by Planned Parenthood to be taught in schools by people who are not licensed.

 

We need to eliminate these controversial provisions very soon, otherwise the likelihood that the Legislature will finish its work on time by May 20 will be very unlikely.

 

OFFICER GOMM MEMORIAL HIGHWAY BILL SIGNED INTO LAW

I’m pleased to announce that Governor Walz has signed my bill into law that will rename a section of Minnesota State Highway 95 after fallen corrections officer Joseph Gomm. Senator Housley carried the legislation in the Senate, and both bodies provided unanimous support.

 

You’ll recall last July that Officer Gomm was killed during an attack at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater.

 

Earlier this year, Department of Corrections officers visited my office and I wrote this bill with their assistance. Under this legislation, "Corrections Officer Joseph Gomm Memorial Highway" has been named for the official stretch of Highway 95 between Interstate 94 to Highway 36 in Oak Park Heights. You can expect the signage recognizing Officer Gomm to be installed in the coming months.

 

To me, this is a fitting tribute to a brave man who died in the line of duty. His contributions should never be forgotten, and renaming a portion of Highway 95 in his memory will ensure that future generations can honor his sacrifice.

 

This is the time of year when school groups from around the state visit the State Capitol. Recently Liberty Classical Academy 5th graders stopped by.

 

As did 5th graders from Stonebridge Elementary School in Stillwater.

 

Recently I also presented a House resolution to the Augsburg University Wrestling Team, which won its 13th national title in program history. Lance Benick from Scandia is also a member of the team.

 

Talk to you soon,

 

Bob