Dear Friends,
I hope you had a pleasant end of the summer and that the beginning of fall and back-to-school season are treating you well.
Governor Dayton visited Owatonna this week and stopped by the rotary where he discussed a variety of issues including transportation, the recent South Country Health Alliance procurement decision, taxes, and more. It was great to see so many people in attendance.
I am grateful that the Governor expressed understanding over the many concerns that have been raised by county and other local officials about the South Country Health Alliance procurement decision. SCHA has provided quality service for many years and good value for taxpayers. I remain disappointed about the lack of openness and transparency surrounding the SCHA decision and hope that the appeal process is fair and we are able to reach a conclusion that causes as few disruptions as possible for people and their health plans.
The Governor was asked during the question and answer portion about his top three issues for 2016. His reply was transportation, education, and tax reduction. I'm encouraged that the Governor supports providing tax relief for middle class families, and hope he will partner with House Republicans to deliver that tax relief next session. It was disappointing however to hear that he remains insistent on increasing the gas tax. Republicans have put forward a bipartisan, common-sense plan that will meet our road and bridge infrastructure needs for the next 10 years without a harmful gas tax increase. We will continue working with Democrats and the Governor, encouraging them to join us in supporting an approach that is supported by a large majority of Minnesotans.
Have a great weekend,
John Petersburg
State Representative, District 24A