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*March 1, 2024*
Legislative Update
Memorial
Farewell to Three Heroes
This week I attended the funeral of Burnsville Officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth. It was an incredibly moving ceremony, and the show of support by the law enforcement community not only across Minnesota, but from departments as far away as Texas, was truly amazing. I was so moved by the words of Sgt. Adam Medlicott, who was also wounded on the call,
*"We were there for seven children. Nothing could be more honorable. Rest easy, brothers."*
Please keep the families of these three heroes in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the unimaginable.
February Forecast
Yesterday, Minnesota Management and Budget presented the February forecast. The forecast still shows that we're on the verge of a deficit, with the state spending more money than it's taking in by nearly $1.5 billion. MMB made very clear, numerous times, that we only avoid a deficit if the Democrats don't spend the projected "surplus". As it is, they spent so much money last session that they had to balance the budget on the backs of Minnesota family budgets and small businesses.
Last session, Democrats spent the entire $17.5 billion surplus and raised another $10 billion in taxes on Minnesotans to fund a massive 40 percent growth in government. Now, we need to cut wasteful spending and bring the budget under control instead of trying to maintain last session's reckless spending.
Even with the economy growing, there still isn't enough tax revenue to meet the Democrat majority's spending demands, and Minnesota families and small businesses are overtaxed and overburdened by the state.
Religious Liberty
Before last year, when gender identity was included within the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) definition of sexual orientation, the still-existing exemption for sexual orientation covered gender identity claims as well. When a new, separate definition of gender identity was created last year, there was no corresponding religious exemption added.
A GOP amendment in the Judiciary committee would have restored the religious exemption in the MHRA that protects religious organizations and faith-based schools against claims of gender identity discrimination. One faith-based school is already facing an employment complaint at the Department of Human Rights because of the removal of this exemption, which would ensure that religious organizations and faith-based schools can hire teachers and ministers consistent with their mission and values.
There is a diverse coalition of religious groups that have come forward with serious concerns, including several Christian schools, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and the Islamic Center of Minnesota. Unfortunately, Democrats on the committee voted the amendment down.
Please Contact Me
Please feel free to reach out to my office if there is any way I can be of assistance. My phone number is 651-296-4282, I am here to serve you!
Have a great weekend!
Jim
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/RepJimNash
349 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.4282
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