Legislative Update - Minnesota’s Budget Forecast

Dear Granite City Neighbors,

I hope you are enjoying this glorious thaw-out!

As you start your Monday, I want to give you an update from another action-packed week in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Here’s the latest from the Capitol:

 

Budget Update – Trump’s careless chaos is costing Minnesota

The DFL trifecta left our state in strong economic standing with a $3.7 billion surplus, record-high $3.5 billion budget reserve, and perfect credit rating.

Unfortunately, President Trump’s careless chaos is jacking up prices for Minnesotans and wreaking havoc on our state’s financial stability.

Whatever happened to lowering the price of eggs???

Despite the chaos at the federal level, I’m focused on passing a state budget that delivers results for St. Cloud and makes Minnesota an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family - but it will require our Republican partners at the state and federal level to stand up to President Trump’s scheme to rig our economy for the benefit of billionaires.

We need to work together and find bipartisan solutions to lower costs for Minnesotans.

Trump/Musk Cuts to Life-Saving Research

As the DFL Lead on Higher Education, I’m deeply concerned that Donald Trump and Elon Musk are cutting $150 million in research grants at the University of Minnesota, which would have devastating consequences for our state, nation, and world.

I questioned University President Rebecca Cunningham about these cuts. The reality is they would have a tremendously negative impact on the research engine that fuels economic development in our state, patient safety, research security, hazardous waste disposal, and support of laboratory maintenance and infrastructure. You can watch the exchange here.

We need to stop the senseless Trump/Musk cuts!

“Right Sizing” St. Cloud State University

Now is the time to “right size” campuses through building demolition and site repurposing. Buildings that can no longer be used are a hazard that drain resources and deter recruiting. I’m working on legislation to reduce operation and maintenance costs and create safe green space to better connect students and our community to campus.

You can read about the efforts of SCSU and other colleges and universities to right-size their campuses here.

Let’s save money and create more green space!

Skating on Thin Ice - Herb Brooks National Hockey Center 

My daughter Polly and I recently joined my colleagues at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center to advocate for $12.8 million in sorely-needed improvements.

After 30 years of service, the refrigeration system is outdated and operating on “thin ice” (pardon the dad joke!). In all seriousness, we can’t risk the refrigeration system dying and bringing hockey programs and community functions to a screeching halt. We need to make these necessary investments to ensure this key facility remains a local icon for generations to come.

Go Huskies!

Deep within the bowels of the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center

Thanks for stopping by, Chair Franson! This is the bipartisan collaboration we need to pass a bonding bill. I look forward to hosting her and the entire Capital Investment crew later this year during their statewide tour of regional infrastructure projects. 

Stay Connected

You are my boss and I work for you!

Stay in the loop by following along on my official Facebook page, and you can reach me at Rep.Dan.Wolgamott@house.mn.gov or 651-296-6612.

Have a wonderful week!

Go Huskies!!!

Sincerely,

Rep. Dan Wolgamott
District 14B