Hello from St. Paul,
We have reached the halfway point of the 2024 session, and our House committees have been hard at work hearing bills. In the legislature, there are three deadlines. The first is for committees to act favorably on bills in the house of origin. The second is for committees to act favorably on bills, or companions of bills, that met the first deadline in the other house. This year, both the first and second deadlines have now passed.
The third deadline is for committees to act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills. That will happen on April 19.
STATE TO SPEND ANOTHER $477 MILLION
House and Senate leadership, along with Governor Walz have agreed to spend another $477 million on state government this year. Last session, the state spent an additional $18 billion budget surplus, and raised taxes by $10 billion. Government grew by roughly 40%. Minnesota is projected to spend $70.5 billion this biennium, before the additional $477 million is added.
I remain concerned about Minnesota's projected budget deficit coming next year. I don’t know of a better purpose to utilize the current budget surplus than to help eliminate that deficit projection during our next budget cycle.
As an update from my last email on the $120 million emergency medical services (EMS) needs. The spending agreement includes $16 million of that request.
RUTHTON WATER AND SEWER PROPOSAL RECEIVES HEARING
Recently, Ruthton Mayor Stan Townsend joined me at a hearing in the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee to explain the need for the City’s need for a new water tower and utility improvements.
Ruthton’s water tower was constructed nearly 90 years ago and cannot be rehabilitated. In addition, its water treatment facility is at the end of its useful life, and its water distribution system and sanitary sewer are also in need of repair.
The City of Ruthton is seeking $4.9 million in order to help it make these needed improvements, and I am authoring legislation that would help provide state funding for this project. The bill was held over for possible inclusion in a comprehensive capital investment proposal that will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Just a reminder, if you are ever in St. Paul and have an issue to discuss, I’d be happy to meet with you. Please email rep.joe.schomacker@house.mn.gov or call 651.296.5505 to schedule a visit.
Have a good weekend,
Joe