Greetings Neighbors!
Last week we completed week three of the 2020 Session. It was a busy week with committee hearings, the February Forecast release, and 14 constituent group visits! Wow!
February Forecast:
On Thursday the Department of Management and Budget released the February Forecast. We had a small increase in the surplus from $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion and I am pleased to see the surplus grow. Our state government has been fully funded for two years and we still have money left over and for the first time ever our state savings account is full! I want to prioritize you, the tax payer, by:
- Eliminating the tax on Social Security Income is long overdue. Minnesota is one of only 13 states that imposes this tax on retirees, many of whom are on a fixed income.
- Fully conforming to Section 179 of the federal tax code will help farmers and mom-and-pop businesses grow and invest in their operations by giving them more flexibility to deduct large equipment purchases.
- Expanding the K-12 Education Tax Credit will specifically help parents of school-age children save money when they file their taxes.
Highway 14 Update:
On Friday, February 28th, we received great news regarding the completion of Highway 14! Please see our press release from Friday below.
Highway 14 Expansion Plan Unveiled
St. Paul, MN – Today, Senator Gary Dahms (R ‒ Redwood Falls), alongside a bipartisan group of legislators and Governor Walz, announced that a plan is in place to finish the expansion of Highway 14 from Nicollet to New Ulm.
Legislation authored by Senator Nick Frentz (D ‒ Mankato), Senator Dahms, Senator John Jasinski (R ‒ Faribault), Senator Julie Rosen (R – Vernon Center), and Senator Scott Dibble (DFL – Minneapolis) allows MnDOT to secure a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan through the federal Department of Transportation. The loan will be administered by the Rural Project Initiative and the Build America Bureau.
For years, Senator Dahms has carried bills to complete the Highway 14 expansion, as it directly affects his home district.
“I am so pleased that this project is finally going to be completed,” said Senator Dahms. “Legislators from both sides of the aisle have worked tirelessly to achieve this end goal. The final expansion will not only improve commerce in the area but save lives. So many rural families depend on Highway 14 daily, and the completion will remove unnecessary danger from their day-to-day lives.”
“This is a great day for southern Minnesota,” said Senator Jasinski. “We have been talking about expanding this highway for more than four decades, and I am proud that with this funding, we will finally be able to say that it is done.”
“We all know Highway 14 is rife with safety hazards, and I am happy to see them finally resolved,” said Senator Julie Rosen (R ‒ Vernon Center). “Seventeen years ago, I championed Highway 14 from Janesville to Waseca and this expansion is a long time coming, and I am happy to see it done in a bipartisan effort. I am incredibly grateful for all involved and would like to thank Governor Walz and Commissioner Anderson-Kelliher for their efforts as well.”
“I know how important it is for the area that we get the funding for Highway 14 and get this project across the finish line,” said Senator Scott Newman (R ‒ Hutchinson), chair of the Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. “I’ve worked with Senator Gary Dahms, who has been a big advocate for getting this done. There’s still work to do, but we’re getting closer and closer every day,”
The time frame for the project is dependent on the state’s deliverance of proof and source of payment to the federal government. Once Minnesota’s credit is approved, the US Department of Transportation will invite MnDOT to formally submit applications for reviewal. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) expects that construction could begin as early as fall of 2021 and the expected completion date in late 2023. The entire application and approval process will likely take 6 – 9 months.
Clean Energy:
On Thursday, Senator Senjem’s Clean Energy First Act, SF1456, was heard in the Committee on Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy on and passed. The bill is now on its way to my Finance Committee. Senator Osmek, Chair of the Energy Committee, recently wrote a great article on the Senate Clean Energy bill, clearing the air on false claims about clean energy. I encourage you to read his op-ed here.
Child Protection:
I had an interview with KSTP about my bill, SF3692, Child protection interview and notice requirements modifications. This bill intends to change the way child abuse and neglect cases are handled. Watch my recent interview here.
AURI:
Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is looking for for Minneostans who are active in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, especially small and medium sized entrepreneurs. Contact Dan Skogen, AURI Director of Planning and Government Relations either by phone or email.
Weekly Photos
ABATE MN Day on the Hill
City of Lake Crystal, Taylor and Ryan
Dr. Aaron and Beth Kalis
Emily Lange, Executive Director of the Blue Earth Area Chamber of Commerce
Minnesota Association of Townships
Waseca Co. & Blue Earth Co. Township Officers
Minnesota Farm Bureau Reception
Minnesota Foundation for Student Organizations
Career and Technical Education Month Day on the Hill
Pamela with National Kidney Foundation Minnesota
Silas and family for Epilepsy Day on the Hill
SMILES Center for Independent Living
and Southwestern Center for Independent Living
February Forecast Press Conference