Category: SD50

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbor,

In spite of a $1.65 billion surplus, the 2017 Minnesota legislature went into overtime. Governor Dayton called legislators into Special Session on Tuesday after reaching an agreement on the framework to complete the state budget. Unfortunately, the Republican majority took several days to cross the finish line.

When the regular legislative session ended at midnight Monday, 70% of the major budget bills were unresolved including education, health and human services, and state government finance. A proposed package of tax legislation also stalled, as did a bonding bill to address infrastructure needs statewide. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson Update: May 26, 2017”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update
Neighbors,

Only a few days remain in the 2017 legislative session and a budget solution seems elusive. Legislative leaders decided to move forward with their own budget targets without including Governor Dayton. This is the same approach that the legislature took two years that led to a very chaotic end of session.

I support Governor Dayton and his push to fully fund E-12 and higher education, and prevent cutting regulations that protect our land, water and air. These are cuts that will harm many of the things Minnesotans value.  The choice is not a difficult one – move Minnesotans forward or hold back our state. I will advocate for Minnesota values as we move this session to the finish line and work to prevent a special session. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson Update: May 19, 2017”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

We are quickly approaching the legislative session adjournment deadline of May 22. Legislative leaders and Governor Dayton are engaged in budget talks, working on a compromise to end the 2017 session on time. Here is an update from the Capitol.

Legislative leaders decided to abandon budget negotiationswith Governor Dayton and send him budget bills which are filled with provisions the Governor considers dead on arrival.  He even went so far as to warn legislative leaders that he was going to veto every bill, but they insist on sending him the bills and wasting valuable negotiating time. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson Update: May 11, 2017”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update

Dear neighbors,

Last Friday, the House and Senate Republican majorities set joint budget targets. These targets are an important step in final budget negotiations between the House, Senate, and Governor over the next 3 weeks. Unfortunately, despite the fact that the state has a budget surplus, their targets underfund E-12 and higher education, which would lead to cuts in the classroom and rising tuition. These cuts make way for massive spending in the tax bill, which gives tax cuts for corporations and the rich. We are working with Governor Dayton to achieve full and equitable funding for our schools, and to make investments in areas that keep Minnesota’s economy strong into the future.

The Republican transit plan also cuts funding for bus service and light rail which will harm Minnesotans who rely on transit for school, work, and daily life – now and in the future. Their plan includes a 10% cut to bus service, halts Southwest Light Rail, and prevents future investments and planning for transit improvements around the state. The transit cuts in the Republican budget will seriously affect our ability to move forward. Instead of working together to use our surplus wisely and lift up the economy of our entire state, Republicans are making it clear that they want to punish the economies of our major cities and Minnesota as a whole. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson Update: May 5, 2017”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

We have fewer than four weeks left in the legislative session before our constitutional adjournment on May 22. We’re spending less time on the House Floor and in committee to allow time for conference committees to meet and iron out differences between House and Senate proposals. Here is an update:

Building and infrastructure bill

Tuesday, I supported my House DFL colleagues pushing for passage of a bonding bill. Bonding invests in needed infrastructure improvements throughout Minnesota. These projects include things like repair and replacement of crumbling bridges, upgrade of wastewater treatment facilities, and rail safety improvements. Last year, House Republicans introduced a failed bonding proposal at the last minute, putting these projects on hold and costing Minnesotans millions. It has been several years since a large bonding bill was passed, and as interest rates rise, the costs of these projects does too. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson Update: April 28, 2017”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update
Dear neighbors and friends,

The Easter and Passover break has concluded and we returned to St. Paul on Tuesday to begin wrapping up the 2017 legislative session. Here is an update:

Five weeks to go

We have a full agenda ahead as we complete the budget process before the constitutional adjournment deadline of May 22. Most finance bills have been passed and either are in conference committee or will be shortly. House and Senate conferees were appointed by the Speaker of the House to compare the different versions of each finance bill. Governor Dayton will also be very involved in the process as we seek to reach agreement on the final budget. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson Update: April 21, 2017”