Hello from the State Capitol,
We have spent most of the past two weeks approving budget bills in the Minnesota House, and only a few remain outstanding. With 9 days remaining, a few Democrats complained this week that we may be running out of time to complete our budget work before session is required to adjourn.
They were reminded that Republicans showed up for work on Day 1, while they refused to come to work in St. Paul for 23 days, yet still collected their taxpayer funded paychecks.
DEMOCRATS HEAD-SCRATCHING PRIORITIES
As we approach the legislative finish line, I am reminded of the ridiculous provisions Democrats have endorsed, and others that they refused to support. They include:
- Opposed reporting violent illegal immigrants to ICE
- Make Minnesota a sanctuary state
- Provide free health care and free college tuition to illegal immigrants (while at the same time not funding some of the needed benefits for the hardworking legal taxpayers of Minnesota)
- Voting against giving infants life-saving care who were born alive during a botched abortion
AG WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY SENATE
My bill that would provide any farmer in the Karst Region with a $5 per acre tax credit for any ag land that is placed in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) was included in the Minnesota Senate’s environment budget bill. The plan would prevent future nitrates from entering the ground water and eliminate other pollutants that are often associated with ag land.
I will be working hard to lobby House environment conference committee members for its inclusion in the final compromise bill.
SERVING ON HUMAN SERVICES CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
This week, I was appointed to serve on the joint House/Senate conference committee that will craft a compromise human services budget agreement that can be approved by both legislative bodies. For me, this is a good opportunity to help bring the department in check. I’ll be fighting for the people who fund our state’s very generous human services programs, not just people who receive funds from it.
TAXES BILL WILL NOT RAISE TAXES
Under taxes legislation that is moving forward in the Minnesota House, no one will see any tax increases over the next two years. This differs greatly from last session, when over $10 billion in tax hikes were passed by a Democrat legislative majority and Governor Walz despite a record $18 billion surplus. The bill also cuts $40 million in spending in each of the next two budget cycles to address our future deficit. It also provides targeted relief by aiding disabled veterans, expanding tax deferrals for seniors, and giving small retailers a sales tax credit.
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, if you ever have any legislative questions, please contact me. I can be reached at rep.steven.jacob@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651.296.2273.
Have a good weekend,
Steve