Greetings,
Here is an update from St. Paul.
February Budget Forecast
Today’s budget forecast, released by the Minnesota Management and Budget office, showed that Minnesota is expected to face a $1.869 billion budget surplus in the coming months. I would like to see those taxpayer dollars used to provide tax relief and invest in roads and bridges to ease transportation for Minnesotans in our district and across the state.
Elected Chair of Commission on Pensions and Retirement
I am honored to have been elected the Chair of the Commission on Pension and Retirement. The commission is composed of seven members from the House and seven members from the Senate, and deals with policy and fiscal matters related to public pensions. I’m excited for the opportunity to chair this important commission that does so much work that impacts the future of our state and our obligations to retirees.
HF407 Advanced to Tax Committee
My bill, HF407, which doubles the tax credit provided to those who purchase long-term care insurance, was passed by the Aging and Long-Term Care Policy committee and is now awaiting a hearing in the Taxes committee. My bill will encourage all Minnesotans to invest in long-term care, providing them with the opportunity to have the financial resources to enter fantastic long-term care when the time comes. I look forward to talking to the Taxes committee about my bill.
Constituent Visits
It was great to see so many friendly faces at the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce Evening at the Capitol on Tuesday. Thanks for coming to St. Paul to meet with me and other area legislators!
Thanks to Minnesota Voters for Animal Protection, Sartell Mayor Nicoll and City Administrator Anita Rasmussen, McKinley Area Learning Center Social Studies teacher Mike Myers-Schleif and his students, constituents from AFCME #65, and constituents with disability concerns for visiting me at my office this week. It was helpful to hear your perspectives on the issues that impact you, your family, and your business.
Please stay in touch to discuss your thoughts on any legislation before the House, or any other matters where I can be of assistance. You can schedule an appointment to meet with me in St. Paul by calling my Legislative Assistant at (651) 296-7808, or email me directly at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn. Encourage your friends and family to stay informed on the issues that impact them by signing up for my email updates here.
Sincerely,
Tim
This Week in History: On February 26, 1857, Congress passed the Minnesota Enabling Act. This act established our borders and allowed Minnesotans the opportunity to develop our state government. The measure was promoted by Minnesota’s territorial delegate, Henry Mower Rice, who would later serve as our first State Senator.