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ODriscoll




Greetings,

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Earlier this week, lawmakers returned to the State Capitol to begin the 2024 session. What topics could make headlines this year? Read on for a few of my thoughts.

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*STUDENT RESOURCES OFFICERS IN SCHOOLS*

Recently I discussed the Democrats? seeking to change their 2023 law regarding school resources officers. That law limited how school resource officers are allowed to de-escalate aggressive or violent situations, which caused dozens of law enforcement agencies to pull SROs from schools across Minnesota. Unfortunately, a legislative fix appears to be stalled in the public safety committee and talks on the bill will continue this weekend.

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*BUDGET DEFICIT ON THE HORIZON*

Heading into the 2023 session the state had $17.5 billion surplus.?Heading into the 2024 session, the state is now facing a potential deficit and budget overruns in the next budget cycle from bills that the DFL majority passed in 2023, such as free breakfast and lunch for all school students.??

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*INCOME TAX CHANGE MOVING FORWARD*

An unintended consequence of taxes legislation that was approved by the majority last session resulted in a $352 million error. If this problem is not addressed, it would force 76% of Minnesotans to pay a higher tax bill. This week, legislation that would solve this issue was quickly approved in House committees and is now scheduled for a floor vote next week. This is important as we are in the middle of tax season, and getting this situation rectified will prevent many Minnesotans from needing to file amended tax returns.

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*$730 MILLION FOR AN OFFICE BUILDING?*

In November, the Minnesota Management and Budget Office revealed the total cost for the loan that was approved by the legislative majority to renovate the State Office Building: $730 million. Of that amount, Minnesota taxpayers will be charged $275 million in interest alone, which was almost the same amount used to renovate the State Capitol. Sadly, the majority chose extravagance over less costly alternatives, and it should revisit this fiscally irresponsible decision on behalf of the taxpayers who are on the hook to pay for it.

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*THREE MONTHS AND COUNTING*

If it feels to you like a later than normal start to session, you are correct. During the first year of a legislative cycle ? a budget setting year ? lawmakers begin session in early January. With the budget work complete, the second year of the legislative cycle typically begins sometime in February. However, the end dates in both years of the legislative cycle remain the same, as the legislature is required to adjourn regular session in mid-May.

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*KEEP IN TOUCH*

As always, I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected] <[email protected]>_._?or by phone at?651-296-7808.

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Have a good weekend,

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Tim






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237 State Office Bldg.
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-7808
[email protected]







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