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*March 1, 2024*






Legislative Update

February Budget Forecast

Last session, in spite of having a $17.5 billion surplus, Democrats spent the entire thing and then raised taxes on Minnesotans by another $10 billion. This pushed the government to grow 40% in just one session.

Yesterday, Minnesota Management and Budget presented this year's February forecast. Because of all that reckless spending from last year, the forecast still shows that we're on the verge of a deficit, with the state spending nearly $1.5 billion more than it's taking in.

It's time now to cut wasteful spending and bring the budget under control instead of trying to maintain last session's reckless spending.

Religious Liberty

Last year, Democrats passed a bill giving gender identity its own category under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, instead of including it within the definition of sexual orientation. When that happened, there was no corresponding religious exemption added, which leaves faith-based schools and religious organizations open to claims of gender identity discrimination. Such an exemption would ensure?that religious organizations and faith-based schools can hire teachers and ministers consistent with their mission and values.

One faith-based school is already facing a complaint at the Department of Human Rights because of this lack of an exemption.

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.

FFA
Constituent Visits

On Monday, I attended the 2024 FFA Agricultural Policy Experience legislative meet & greet! This program provides FFA members a unique chance to interact with legislators and experience government firsthand. This conference encouraged and challenged students to learn more about agricultural issues and policy and become more informed and active leaders in their schools and communities. Great to see so many young people enthused by the opportunities agriculture provides!



Brinkman Wikstrom

I always appreciate the chance to visit with constituents and businesses and hear personally about the issues affecting all of us back home in northwest Minnesota.? A big thank you to Tim Brinkman from Garden Valley Technologies and Brian Wikstrom from Wikstrom Telephone Company as they advocated for their industry issues during Minnesota Telecom Alliance?s Day on the Hill.



Kent Broten

I also enjoyed catching up with Kent Broten representing the Marshall County Historical Society on Thursday.? We discussed?the efforts taken to collect, preserve, and share our local stories so they may be known and remembered.? ?Kent and I also revisited necessary work needed at Old Mill State Park such as replacement of the damaged walking bridge and campground.?







Please Contact Me

My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family.

I am here to serve you!

John Burkel









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309 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
651.296.9635







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