Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
Our work at the Capitol continues to ramp up with less than five weeks to go; final omnibus bills are coming together and the final deadline to pass most bills with fiscal impacts is set for tonight at midnight. The Property Tax Division will be reviewing its final, large report today, which will then be rolled into the final tax bill. Here is an update on what is happening at the Capitol:
Omnibus Finance Bills Move Forward
Now that the House Majority has announced their supplemental budget targets and begun moving these bills, it’s clear that they’re not interested in investing in the things Minnesotans value like expanding quality early childhood education, keeping college tuition down, making healthcare more accessible and affordable, keeping seniors safe and secure in retirement, and ensuring every Minnesotan has an opportunity to provide a better future for their family.
The finance bills that moved forward this week include: Legacy, Education, Higher Education, Health and Human Services, Environment and Natural Resources, Transportation, Agriculture, Public Safety, Jobs and Energy, and State Government.
Where is the Bonding Bill?
In January, the Governor released his Public Works proposal, which included $1.5 billion for urgently needed infrastructure improvements statewide. Governor Dayton’s proposal would make needed repairs and improvements to labs and classrooms at the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State campuses, fix aging clean water infrastructure to assure safe drinking water for more Minnesotans, and make other needed repairs and improvements to state buildings, affordable housing, and more. The Governor’s $1.5 billion infrastructure package includes more than 218 projects across Minnesota, creating nearly 23,000 jobs.
Capital investment in our state’s public infrastructure contributes to the economic health and well-being of our state, which positively impacts the lives of Minnesotans. Traditionally, the bonding bill has always had this bipartisan mind frame, however even so, in recent years, it seems there is no urgency in unveiling, negotiating and passing a compromised bonding bill. In fact, before my time at the Legislature in 2016, after House Republicans passed their bonding bill with minutes to spare on the last day of session, nonpartisan staff discovered over 30 significant errors within the bill.
Minnesotans deserve better; waiting until the very last minute to pass a bill without public testimony, nor debate, and containing hundreds of millions of dollars is fiscally and morally irresponsible. I’ll work to encourage my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to share their bonding proposal sooner rather than later.
Moms Demand Action Day
On Wednesday, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America held a rally in the Capitol Rotunda to show that there’s still continued pressure to pass common sense gun laws in Minnesota. In fact, a recent poll conducted by Survey USA shows that even 89% of gun owners favor background checks for all gun purchases. It was great to see Bloomington residents show their support.
Please continue to reach out with any questions, comments or feedback. I appreciate your input on the important issues facing our state and community.
Sincerely,
Andrew Carlson
State Representative