Dear Neighbor,

This week, we heard more bills on the floor and the pace is picking up. I had the opportunity to meet with the Johnson High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Program Cadets at the capitol. Their Color Guard was present front and center as we celebrated Pacific Islander Day on the Hill.

The State of our Economy

This year's Minnesota legislative session has been marked by fiscal irresponsibility, with several key decisions and proposals raising concerns about the state's financial management. The budget for both last year and this year includes many increases in taxes during a time of high inflation that ultimately hurt our families and seniors. Proposals such as the Governor?s transportation initiative would increase the cost of gas by $0.30 to $0.45 costing the average homeowner up to an additional $1,150 annually. Sales tax was also increased this legislative session. For those of us living in a metro county, you?ll notice an additional cost when buying your everyday essentials.

While your taxes and cost of living continue to increase, Democrats managed to spend all the state?s $17.5 billion surplus, while reneging on promises made to return $2000 of that money to each taxpayer. Instead, we had to settle for a measly $260 and a bevy of new spending on projects that do not address the everyday needs of Minnesotans. Currently, we are experiencing major staffing shortages in EMS and police, leaving our cities and our people vulnerable. Our nursing homes are experiencing similar situations but received very limited funding, and the majority failed to keep their promise of eliminating the tax on Social Security benefits to alleviate financial pressures on our seniors who live on fixed incomes. On education, even though record amounts of money were invested into our schools, less than half of our children can read at a proficient level, and districts are being forced to lay off teachers due to red tape regulations attached to that money.

With all that spending, we are projected to be in a deficit in 2025. What?s clear about the last two years is that one-party control of state government leads to irresponsible spending and radical policies that do not keep the best interests of the people of Minnesota at heart. What we need are balanced and bipartisan solutions to spending, focusing on issues such as improving our student?s education and keeping them safe, reducing the cost of living for families, roads and bridges, clean water, and public safety. We need to restore balance at the Capitol.

Advancements in Childcare

On the topic of balanced solutions, The House Suburban Solutions Caucus has introduced a new childcare initiative called "The Building Blocks of Learning," comprising of two bills aimed at expanding the childcare system in Minnesota. The first bill, House File 4349, seeks to expand the child and dependent care tax credit to 50% and up to $24,000 for families with two or more dependents, phasing down at $150,000 of adjusted gross income and reaching zero at $200,000. This expansion aims to provide families and providers with additional funding and options, especially benefiting those who were previously excluded. The second bill, House File 4776, aims to expand employer flexible spending accounts by increasing the deduction for any employer who partners with their employees to provide dependent care, allowing employers to contribute up to $10,000 per employee. These initiatives were developed after extensive engagement with suburban families and providers, aiming to address rising childcare costs and access issues. The Suburban Solutions Caucus intends to further reduce regulatory burdens and increase capacity, affordability, and options within the childcare sector, providing real solutions to the challenges faced by hard-working families in the suburbs.

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Have a wonderful weekend,

Mark