Dear Neighbors,
Today, Governor Walz shared his state budget recommendations for Minnesota. I was encouraged to see his top three priorities reflected in the two-year proposal. Read about them below:
Education
Governor Walz is committed to leading the nation by making Minnesota the “Education State.” Every Minnesota child deserves a world-class education, regardless of their race or zip code. I support the Governor’s budget to make historic investments in schools to close the funding and opportunity gap and to ensure every child has a good teacher, can receive individual attention, and access to the materials they need to compete in today’s economy.
Health Care
Every Minnesotan deserves access to quality health care at a price they can afford. Governor Walz’s budget includes funding to extend low-cost coverage to thousands small business owners, entrepreneurs and farmers on the individual market. Governor Walz’s budget recommendation would also deliver every Minnesotan an additional health care option, protects stability in the individual market, and helps drive health care costs down.
Ensuring Communities are Prosperous
Prosperity and opportunity for all people in all parts of our state stems from the well-being of their community. While communities across Minnesota may look different, many share the same goals and face the same challenges. Governor Walz’s budget proposal expands access to affordable childcare and housing, invests in infrastructure and broadband internet, and gives local leaders the tools they need to ensure successful communities.
I was particularly pleased to see the Governor’s commitment to cutting Social Security taxes by increasing the subtraction in current law. Nearly 56% of Minnesota seniors would pay no tax on their Social Security benefits under this proposal.
Read more about the Governor’s budget recommendations here.
Making History with Sovereignty Day
On Monday a historic meeting between the Minnesota House and the state’s 11 sovereign tribal nations took place. Sovereignty Day featured presentations about history, culture, tribal law, and the relationship between tribal, federal, and state governments. The day-long educational event was embraced by DFL legislators, who listened closely as tribal leaders spoke their truths about the historical pain and trauma inflicted on Native people by the federal and state government for generations. Watch full video of tribal presentations hereor check out WCCO’s coverage here.
Keep in Touch
I’d love your feedback on the Governor’s budget proposal. Your input will be crucial as the House crafts its own budget, in collaboration with the Senate. My phone number at the Capitol is 651-296-4363 or by email at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn.
Have a great rest of the week!
Sincerely,
Heather Edelson
State Representative