Greetings,
We have been moving at breakneck speed in the Minnesota House as committees attempt to hear bills before the 2nd committee deadline, which is today. The biggest news of the week is the unveiling of agreed-upon budget targets by the governor and the House and Senate majorities.
BUDGET TARGETS SHOW 35% INCREASE IN STATE GOVERNMENT SPENDING
It was not surprising that the governor, House Speaker, and Senate Majority Leader – all Democrats – came to an agreement. What was surprising was the spending amount they agreed to, a number that exceeds our historic budget surplus. Their budget target agreement will add $17.9 billion in new spending to the state’s next two-year budget, a 35 percent increase from the current $52 billion general fund spending plan, bringing state general fund spending to $70 billion. Most of the majority party’s spending priorities will also be permanent.
If spending all the of the people's surplus isn't enough, there are tax increases in play for vehicle tabs, a delivery tax on Amazon style deliveries and an Uber/Lyft user tax, among others.
WHERE’S THE TAX RELIEF?
With a nearly $17 billion state surplus, many of us were hopeful that Minnesotans would receive significant, and permanent, tax relief this session. Instead, there’s not a lot of direct tax relief to our taxpayers in the majority party’s budget targets. In fact, the tax relief that is included is very limited. It also appears there is no funding for the popular plan to stop taxing Social Security in Minnesota.
WACOSA CELEBRATES 60TH ANNIVERSARY!
I’d like to congratulate WACOSA on their accomplishment of helping residents achieve their goals for the past 60 years. WACOSA’s mission is to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work and live in their community, and it is currently serving over 650 adults at locations in Waite Park, St. Cloud and Sauk Centre. WACOSA does an outstanding job, and it is such an asset to central Minnesota.
On Tuesday, March 28th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, WACOSA will be holding a 60th Anniversary open house and tours. To learn more, click here.
CAPITOL VISITORS
This week, I was pleased to meet with staff and representatives from Anna Marie’s Alliance, which provides safety, shelter, support, and referral services to survivors of domestic violence and their children.
Senator Howe and I also had the pleasure of meeting with constituents from the Stearns County Farm Bureau.
Thanks to all of you for stopping by!
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Have a good weekend,
Tim