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Health & Fitness

Rep. Rick Hansen -- Legislative Update

My colleagues and I are currently developing a budget that will help us improve Minnesota's economic competitiveness and eliminate the state's structural budget deficit.

Dear friends and neighbors,

With only another month left in the legislative session, the state budget has taken center stage. My colleagues and I are currently developing a budget that will help us improve Minnesota’s economic competitiveness and eliminate the state’s structural budget deficit.

Our budget’s main components get Minnesota back to the basics: education, property taxes, and economic development.

The previous legislature borrowed $2.4 billion from Minnesota’s schools. Our House budget would pay them back by 2015. The best way to ensure a thriving economy in the future is investing in a strong educational system today. Our budget also would invest $700 million in pre-kindergarten, K-12, and efforts to make post-secondary education affordable.

Many Minnesotans have seen their property taxes dramatically increase during the past decade. Our budget would provide $250 million in residential property tax reductions. 

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We were able to maintain property tax relief for Mendota as well. The $25,000 per year for Mendota that I secured a few years ago was retained. Increasing the aid to our communities will help local governments pay for essentials like police and fire protection, while holding down property taxes.
 
Those residing in Mendota and Lilydale will also benefit from new direct aid to homeowners and renters. Beginning in 2014, 75 percent of Minnesota homeowners would receive an additional $212 reduction in their property taxes, while renters with incomes less than $17,930 would see their maximum refund increase by between $130 and $380 dollars. 

Property tax reductions are just one way we are working to help middle-class Minnesotans. Investments in education will also strengthen our kids and communities. New research continues to highlight the importance of education; our education proposal is critical for preparing our kids for good jobs in the future. 

Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce estimates that between 2008 and 2018, Minnesota will have 902,000 job vacancies – caused by new jobs and retirements – 70 percent of these jobs will require some sort of post-secondary education.

Studies like these indicate that we need to do a better job of educating our children for future jobs.  The Omnibus Education Bill increases funding K-12 schools by four percent – or over $315 million – during the next two years.  However, we know that money and good intentions aren’t enough to guarantee success.  That’s why we are funding programs shown by research to have the greatest positive impact.

Many in our community are still feeling the impact of the recession. To help those who lost jobs or have even seen their industry disappear, we propose investing $46 million in job training, workforce development, and small business strategies. These are proven job-creating engines that will help unemployed Minnesotans find new jobs or get the skills they need to pursue new careers.

Though it’s clear after a decade of budget cuts the state needs new revenues, I understand we still need to make the tough choices, to set priorities, and make reforms. I will be supporting some targeted cuts to make sure we have a state government that is efficient.

If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas please contact me - I’ve enclosed a card with my contact information. It’s never too late to get involved or voice your views.   

Sincerely,

Rick Hansen
State Representative

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