Rep. Paul Rosenthal (49B) – Legislative Update
I hope this finds you well and you’ve been able to enjoy our late spring weather. At the Capitol, we’re seeing more activity now as we prepare to wrap up work before our deadline to adjourn on Monday. Here’s an update from Saint Paul:
‘Hands Free’ Cell Phone Legislation Halted
Yesterday, my colleague Rep. Hornstein called for an immediate vote on the ‘hands free’ while driving cell phone bill, which has garnered 80 percent support of Minnesotans. The bill, which would ban handheld cellphone use when operating a motor vehicle, has over 35 Republican and DFL co-authors, including myself. The effort to bring the bill forward for discussion was blocked by House Republicans on a straight party-line vote of 53-74. There is no excuse for allowing this bipartisan bill that is widely supported by a vast majority of Minnesotans to slip through the cracks. Our drivers, passengers and pedestrians deserve to be safe regardless of their transportation mode.
Governor Dayton has indicated he would sign such a bill if it reaches him, so with the 2018 legislative session ending on May 21 it is crucial that Minnesotans send a message to the Republican legislative leadership to bring this bill to a vote. Here is that contact information:
House Speaker Kurt Daudt: rep.kurt.daudt@house.mn or 651-296-5364
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka: sen.paul.gazelka@senate.mn or 651-296-4875
Transportation Constitutional Amendment
Today, the House Majority passed HF 4437, which would put a constitutional amendment on the ballot this fall asking voters to consider using auto parts sales tax revenue to permanently fund road and bridge construction. This amendment is meant to mislead Minnesotans into thinking we are solving our state’s transportation problem. If passed, the amendment will fund just a third of the need to maintain Minnesota’s transportation network. It is not a solution for a forward-looking, fully-funded transportation plan.
Furthermore, amending our state’s constitution to reserve the $279 million a year from the state general fund would mean funding for schools, critical access hospitals, drinking water and sewer infrastructure, veterans care and the needs of our communities across the state will all be competing against one another for these critical funds.
Instead of a feel-good, quick fix that doesn’t fully fund statewide transportation, we should work together on a sustainable, long-term transportation plan.
Taxes
I was hopeful the tax bill would improve after negotiations with the Senate during the Conference Committee, but it creates more imbalance and widens gaps between working families and corporate interests. An example within the bill is the multinational corporations’ tax avoidance of paying almost $200 million in state taxes on profits they have sheltered overseas. Strong businesses in Minnesota are vital to our economy, but we can do better for the people and families who live here as well.
Additionally, this morning Governor Mark Dayton vetoed the bill after making clear that he would not sign any tax bill until the Minnesota Legislature securedEmergency School Aid to help schools, including ours facing deficits, avoid layoffs and program cuts. I remain cautiously optimistic there is still time to find a compromise.
Bonding
The bonding bill passed by the House on Monday is half the size of the Governor’s public works proposal. With interest rates low and statewide projects shovel-ready, we shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to make these investments in Minnesota’s public infrastructure to get people working. Due to its small size, the bill did not pass in the Senate, so unless they reconsider the vote, there is no chance of advancing any sort of public infrastructure proposal this year. I hope a final, compromise bill will move forward so we can get Normandale Community College, the U of M and all state colleges the funds they need to improve classroom space and make necessary building upgrades for students.
Less than three days remain. I expect us to work through the weekend until midnight on Sunday, May 20.
Please keep in touch and don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be of any assistance.
Sincerely,
Paul