Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
The House and Senate have passed all the major budget bills, and now the House and Senate will work on budget compromise bills to send to Governor Dayton for final consideration. In order to finish session on time, the legislature must adjourn by May 22nd.
Minnesota has a $1.6 billion budget surplus and a stable economy. Unfortunately, so far the Republican majority is choosing to prioritize tax cuts for corporations and the rich instead of investing in the areas that have made Minnesota’s economy strong, like education. I am hopeful for a bipartisan compromise that will make investments in Minnesotans and budget responsibly for the future.
Here are a couple of major sticking points so far in the budget negotiation process:
E-12 Education
Our strong schools have made Minnesota a leader, but we won’t continue to lead by simply relying on our past investments. With a budget surplus, our top priority should be ensuring all Minnesota children have access to a world-class education. Despite the budget surplus, the Republican majority’s E-12 education bill would underfund our public schools and result in teacher lay-offs, larger class sizes, and fewer resources for students. It would also eliminate funding for voluntary, free pre-kindergarten for thousands of children across the state. Our top priority should be improving education for all Minnesota children. I’m advocating for more investments in education.
Higher Education
Like their E-12 education bill, the Republicans’ higher education bill would underfund the University of Minnesota and public colleges and universities. Underfunding would lead to tuition increases for students. Minnesota already holds the fifth-highest student debt in the nation. Instead of underfunding higher education and causing tuition to increase, we should invest some of the surplus in making college more affordable.
Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Given the actions by the new Administration in Washington D.C., now more than ever Minnesota needs to continue to protect our environment and natural resources. The proposals put forward by the Republican majority would roll back environmental protections and cut funding to protect our natural resources. What’s worse, their energy bill would roll back the progress we’ve made to build a clean energy economy here in Minnesota. That would be the wrong direction for Minnesota. I’m working to ensure we don’t move backwards on energy and the environment.
Health & Human Services
Again, despite the state having a surplus and a strong economy, the Republicans’ health and human services finance bill would cut $600 million from Minnesota’s health care budget, needlessly putting health care for elderly people and people with disabilities in jeopardy. In order to ensure all Minnesotans have access to quality health care, we cannot afford to cut these crucial services.
Taxes
The cuts and underfunding in other budget bills make way for the Republicans’ super-sized spending in the tax bill. The tax bill contains tax cuts favoring corporations and the rich, including a $161 million estate tax cut for the wealthiest Minnesotans and a business property tax freeze. Unfortunately, the current tax bill would exclude other measures that benefit hard-working families – such as the Working Family Credit. I am working hard to make sure that any tax cuts enacted into law this year are targeted more toward working families instead of concentrating on corporations and the wealthy.
I will be working with Governor Dayton and House and Senate leaders between now and the end of session to improve these budget proposals so they serve Minnesotans better. While the Republicans hold majorities in the House and Senate and these budgets reflect their values, Governor Dayton has staked out strong budget proposals that reflect his values of investing in the people of Minnesota, and especially in education. I am hopeful that all parties will bring a spirit of compromise and productivity to the budget negotiations so we can close the gaps between our respective positions.
Coon Rapids Drug Take-Back Event
The Coon Rapids Police Department is hosting a drug take-back event on Saturday, April 29th. You can turn in your unused or expired medication from 10am – 2pm at in the station lobby at 11155 Robinson Drive, Coon Rapids, MN 55433.
Earth Day
Tomorrow, April 22nd is Earth Day. Join me at the Minnesota March for Science to stand up to defend science’s role in the progress and sustainability of our society. This march is happening in tandem with demonstrations across the country. See the link for details.
In addition, next Saturday, April 29th the People’s Climate Movement will host a March for Climate, Jobs, and Justice in Washington, D.C. to stand up for our communities and climate. There are sister marches in Minneapolis if you’re interested.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman