Legislative UpdateDear Neighbors, We are in the final stretch with just one week remaining before the end of Session. House Updates Several omnibus bills were heard last week. I voted yes for the Environment and Energy omnibus bills, both of which passed off the House floor. However, I voted NO on the two major budget bills listed below. - State Government Finance Bill: In good conscience I could not support additional funding for the Attorney General’s office after discovering he defended individuals convicted in the Feeding Our Future scandal. Taxpayers deserve better.
- Human Services Bill: This bill pushes a massive tax burden onto counties, which will ultimately land on your property tax bill. Whether it's state, or local, a tax increase is a tax increase—and I won’t support shifting costs to working Minnesotans or our seniors.
I was honored with an appointment to serve on the Commerce Conference Committee. As one of two-House Republicans selected, I will actively participate in the final budget and policy decision negotiations. Community Contact Last week I stood proudly with nonpublic school leaders concerned about cuts to Nonpublic Pupil Aid. The proposed cuts will negatively affect funding for transportation, textbooks, and health services in nonpublic schools. Cutting these funds places an unnecessary burden on our already stretched schools. |