Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are less than a week away from the end of the 2015 legislative session and Senate DFL leadership and Governor Dayton are holding a final budget deal hostage by insisting that we raise the gas tax. This is unnecessary with a $2 billion surplus and will hit Greater Minnesota drivers, families and seniors on a fixed income particularly hard.
Furthermore, much of our recent surplus has been a direct result of lower gas prices according to Governor Dayton's own agency, the Office of Minnesota Management and Budget. State leaders demanding more from your family's budget just doesn't make sense economically or reflect the priorities of Minnesotans.
Earlier this session, House Republicans passed a comprehensive $7 billion, 10 year transportation plan that prioritizes our roads and bridges without a gas tax increase. A plan that puts significant, dedicated funding into our transportation infrastructure without a new, burdensome gas tax is what the vast majority of folks in my district are supporting.
As negotiations continue over the coming days, House Republicans will continue to standby hardworking taxpayers and oppose this regressive, unnecessary gas tax increase.
As always, if you have any questions or comments on legislative issues, I welcome you to contact my office.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Brian