Dear Neighbors,
We are quickly approaching the legislative session adjournment deadline of May 22. Legislative leaders and Governor Dayton are engaged in budget talks, working on a compromise to end the 2017 session on time. Here is an update from the Capitol.
Legislative leaders decided to abandon budget negotiations with Governor Dayton and send him budget bills which are filled with provisions the Governor considers dead on arrival. He even went so far as to warn legislative leaders that he was going to veto every bill, but they insist on sending him the bills and wasting valuable negotiating time.
The partisan bickering has honestly been the most frustrating change moving from the Bloomington City Council to the legislature. We should be working to find compromise to strengthen Minnesota. I understand that the House and Senate Republican majorities have a different perspective from me and Governor Dayton. We are still far apart on budget negotiation, but now is the time to work towards an agreement which invests in what Minnesota values, not become more entrenched.
I support Governor Dayton’s proposals that invest in education on all levels and build a better Minnesota through efficiency and accountability. I have deep concerns with the Republican budgets which leaves most of us behind by choosing massive tax cuts for the wealthy and well-connected and cuts to the investments we value. With a $1.65 billion budget surplus, deep cuts are outrageous.
Choosing to cut education, including pre-K, and underfund our schools and higher education, causing larger class sizes, cuts to electives and after school activities, and higher tuition is the wrong choice. Slashing transit statewide, making it difficult for those dependent on public transportation to get to their jobs and medical appointments weakens Minnesota. Forcing deep cuts to our most vulnerable residents, hurting those who need help the most is wrong.
With less than weeks left of the Session, I’ll continue to be engaged with our legislative leaders and Governor Dayton as we work for a compromise that prioritizes the things Minnesota values in order to build a better future for everyone.
Sincerely,
Andrew Carlson
State Representative