Volume 4, Issue 2 — March 2, 2018
A weekly message from your Senator
Dear Constituents and Friends,
As the second week of session wraps up, we have taken a look at the February Budget Forecast that was released on Wednesday. Minnesota’s budget and economic outlook has improved since November. A surplus of $329 million is now projected for the current biennium. A $329 million surplus is great news for our state, but the warning of significant future budget volatility is nothing to take lightly. This surplus reflects a few anomalies related to the federal tax bill that will not last. Fiscally prudent investments and savings for this years’ supplemental budget are imperative for the future fiscal stability of our state.
We need to invest this one-time money in the basics, to make government safer and efficient. Basics like a core infrastructure projects, schools–including student support and school safety, and cyber-security.
I’m also carefully watching the effects of the federal tax and health care funding cuts on state revenues. We must be prepared to weather dramatic federal changes and expected funding cuts on the horizon. Conforming to federal tax changes will be very expensive, and we cannot over-commit to what we just can’t afford.
Finally, I want to thank all the teams that came out to the STEM Advocacy Day and robot demonstration at the Capitol. Some of the teams in attendance included 4536 MinuteBots from Central High School, Ultraviolet 2129 from Southwest High School, Sir Lancer Bots from La Crescent High School, The Green Machine from Edina,Team 2491 NoMythic from St. Paul, 2526 Crimson from Maple Grove Senior High, and the team captain from Becker. Our office was happy to coordinate this important event.
Sincerely,
Melisa
February Forecast
Minnesota Management and Budget released the state’s February forecast this week. The forecast projected a positive balance of $329 million for the current biennium. The change is a positive swing of $518 million from the November forecast. The fluctuation is due to an increase of $353 million in revenue and $167 million less in government spending than what was previously projected.
Governor Dayton and legislators will use the data published in the February forecast to develop their respective budgets. It is expected Governor Dayton will release his budget on March 15, at which point the legislature will examine his proposals and develop its own priorities. Once the legislative proposals go through the formal hearing process negotiations on supplemental bills will start in earnest.
This budget forecast of a $329 million surplus of one-time money means legislators need to exercise caution and restraint in both taxes and spending so we do not overcommit the state and hurt the economy.
Net Neutrality and Consumer Protection
A bill was introduced this week to protect consumers in response to the 2017 Federal Communications Commission reversal of net neutrality. Net neutrality requires that internet service providers enable access to all content and applications regardless of source, and without favoring or blocking particular websites.
The proposal requires companies doing business in the state or selling services as a vendor of the state of Minnesota to comply with common sense net neutrality principles.The bill would also boost and enforce general consumer protection laws to fight back against fraud, discrimination, and anti-competitive behavior by the dominant internet and telecommunications companies. (S.F. 2880)
Robots in the Rotunda
Dozens of students and a handful of robots visited the Capitol this week for STEM Advocacy Day. Robotics teams from Minnesota met with legislators and showcased their robots and other current projects. The annual event focuses on advocacy and education policy, with a bit of robot-related fun in the rotunda.
High school robotics competitions inspire interest and participation while motivating students to pursue education in STEM fields. There are more than 515,000 students on 59,000 robotics teams worldwide. Robotics teams have limited resources and a six-week time limit to work together to build and program robots to compete in a game of skill.
Gun safety bills have House hearings
Employing a seldom used rule, two gun safety bills had hearings this week in the House Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee.
The first bill allows law officers and family members to ask the court to issue an order prohibiting a person from possessing firearms if they pose “a significant danger of bodily injury to self or to other persons by possessing a firearm.” Orders can last from six months to two years. The bill was laid on the table. (H.F.1605)
The second bill calls for universal background checks for all gun buyers between private parties — including internet sales between states — which currently require no background check. Transfers between immediate family members are exempt. Debate on the bill was cut short by a motion to lay the bill on the table and no further action was taken. (S.F. 1261)
MNLARS Update
Both the House Transportation Finance Committee and the Senate Transportation Policy and Finance Committee heard updates on the Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS) this week. Since the launch of the vehicle services side of the system, Minnesotans have been frustrated with how inconsistent and unreliable the system has been as they try to renew their vehicle registrations and complete vehicle title transactions.
The Department of Public Safety and Minnesota IT Services have updated their plan to correct errors within MNLARS and keep the system running smoothly. Last week, they requested that the legislature transfer $10 million from another account with Driver and Vehicle Services to maintain staffing levels on the project and add customer service support.
There has been stalemate in the House and Senate committees thus far. Without additional funding, contract workers who are creating fixes for the system will be laid off at the end of March, and MNLARS will remain in its current troubled state.
Tweet of the Week
Congratulations to the Edina Girls Hockey Team for last Saturday’s victory in the Section 2A championship!
STEM Advocacy Day
A brief video recap of the STEM Advocacy Day at the Capitol on Monday
Senator Franzen with the Edina Robotics Team
In the Rotunda for the robot demonstration
Around the District
The city of Edina will be hosting the 39th Annual Volunteer Awards Reception next Monday March 5 at 5:30 pm. Mayor Hovland will be presenting six Mayor’s Commendations.
Eden Prairie’s Nature Rocks! Outdoor Center is having an open house on Saturday, March 3. There will be family-friendly activities such as hiking and live animals!
This Week in History
On March 2, 1949, Melrose native Captain James Gallagher of the U.S. Air Force completes the first nonstop flight around the world. With a crew of thirteen he flew Lucky Lady II, refueling four times while in the air and completing the 23,452-mile trip in ninety-four hours and one minute.
The 2018 legislative session convenes on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
