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Demuth
Dear Neighbor,
Greetings from the Minnesota House of Representatives as we prepare to launch the 2024 legislative session on Monday in St. Paul.
With a full budget enacted last year and the state funded for the current two-year cycle, this session figures to be a mix of fixing last year?s mistakes, policy debates and, potentially, a capital investment bill to fund essential infrastructure projects. Watch for more on bonding as those discussions unfold.
You may recall the Legislature adjourned last May after Democrats, in full control of the House, Senate and governor?s office, approved a new state budget which spent the $17.5 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion and increased government spending by 40 percent.
That trajectory of taxing and spending is truly unsustainable, and the latest economic forecast shows a shortfall in the next biennium. In addition, a $400 million error in last year?s tax bill needs to be fixed early this session to avoid even further damaging our state?s bottom line.
We also need to correct an issue related to school resource officers early in the session. A change in law enacted by Democrats last year caused SROs to be pulled from school buildings all around our state. This issue remains unresolved, and more clarity is needed in state statute allowing SROs to use the skills they?ve been trained to use to de-escalate a potentially dangerous situation. I hope we can fix this problem in the first days of the new session.
These developments all underscore how important it is to restore balance in St. Paul so we can focus on doing the best we can to help "all" Minnesotans instead of catering to select groups. Let?s start by eliminating wasteful government spending and delivering permanent tax relief (such as finally fully eliminating the tax on Social Security) so people can better afford groceries, gas, and other everyday essentials.
Here?s the real kicker: While so many people are struggling to make ends meet, the Democrats? $730 million renovation of the State Office Building at the Capitol Complex broke ground in recent months. Unfortunately, the one-party control rejected less-costly options and stuck taxpayers with the bill. The lack of transparency and accountability on the SOB project is highly concerning.
At $730 million, the Democrats? SOB makeover is eight times the cost to taxpayers as the new Senate building ? which was constructed within the last decade for $90 million. For another point of comparison, the governor proposes $830 million in general obligation bonding this session. That?s $830 million to fund infrastructure projects throughout the state, whereas the $730 million SOB project is almost as costly but limited to part of one block in St. Paul.
I will be in touch soon with more news and notes from the House as we tackle the session?s biggest issues between this Monday and our May 20 date for adjournment. I truly appreciate the continued support and, as always, please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Lisa
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State Rep. Lisa Demuth
223 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
St. Paul, MN 55155
[email protected]
(651) 296-4373
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