Report from the Capitol - The Final Weeks of Session

Dear Granite City Neighbors, 

Happy Friday!

I’m proud to report that we have passed our entire budget proposal in the Minnesota House, which would deliver resources to St. Cloud and fund the state for the next two years. 

We are able to utilize the historic budget surplus to address many needs, especially since we have the opportunity to make up for past legislative sessions of political gridlock. This year, many areas of the budget are receiving a record amount of investment - including the largest tax cut in state history. 

You can read about the specifics in our House Budget proposals in these nonpartisan summaries on the different areas: Higher Education, Legacy, Environment and Clean Energy, Housing, Veterans, Elections, State and Local Government, K-12 Education, Agriculture, Transportation, Early Learning, Children & Families, Jobs & Labor, Human Services, Pensions, Commerce, Judiciary & Public Safety, Taxes, and Health.

The Senate has also passed their entire budget proposal. We largely agree with our DFL colleagues in the other chamber on big picture issues, smaller differences in our budget proposals exist, which is why this week has been largely dedicated to resolving those issues and preparing these budget bills for one final passage in each chamber. 

With Session scheduled to officially end on May 22, we’re working together to finish our jobs and deliver for Minnesotans. This is shaping up to be a once in a generation budget for our state, and I’m looking forward to getting it over the finish line. 

Teacher Pensions

Minnesota’s educator shortage is at a crisis level. Educators are leaving the profession in droves and more college students are opting for different careers. One way we can honor the work of teachers and help recruit and retain the best educators for our students is by offering sustainable pensions packages.

Minnesota has the third highest teacher retirement age at 66. I’ve introduced legislation to lower it to 64 and scale penalties for early retirement. I presented the bill to the Pensions Commission yesterday.

Teachers showed up in support from across the state, including Chris Erickson, the president of the St. Cloud Education Association. For decades, lawmakers have asked teachers to do more with less. Not anymore – we need to stand up for teachers and the future of the education profession by passing this pension reform.

You can watch the hearing here.

The Largest Tax Cut in State History

Last week, we passed our Tax Bill, the last of our budget proposals. It delivers the largest tax cut in state history!

I’m excited to report the tax bill will provide checks to 2.5 million Minnesotans. Putting money in the pockets of Minnesotans means being able to buy new clothes for growing kids, cover groceries for a month or pay utility bills. 

Additionally, the tax bill includes provisions I authored to increase property tax returns for seniors, and help seniors stay in their homes by expanding property tax assistance.

Here are the full details of our tax bill:

Supporting Our First Responders

Though our budget proposals have passed and are now being worked on in conference committees, we are still working on stand-alone bills. This week, the House passed an important bill that will help our police and firefighters access mental health treatment for PTSD. It also requires public employers to provide wellness training or an employee assistance program to peace officers and firefighters in order to be eligible for state reimbursement of certain treatment, employee compensation, and health insurance costs.

The Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association, Minnesota Fire Association Coalition, Association of Minnesota Counties, City of Rochester, City of St. Paul Fire Department, Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, the National Alliance on Mental Health-Minnesota chapter have all publicly voiced their support. You can read more about this bill here.

Please Ask Questions & Share Feedback

We’re in the home stretch, and I want to hear from you! So please, if you have any questions or comments, contact me at rep.dan.wolgamott@house.mn.gov or 651-296-6612. You are my boss and I work for you, so always feel free to get in touch and let me know how I can best serve you and your family. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely, 

Rep. Dan Wolgamott

Speaker Pro Tempore

District 14B