Hi everyone,

As this is a budget year, we are trying to fund each area of state government before session adjourns on May 21.  I thought I'd give you an update of where things stand as of Monday.

AGRICULTURE AND VETERANS: Signed into law.  This was approved overwhelmingly, and provides funding for renewable energy, veterans and military initiatives, and other state agriculture priorities.

 PUBLIC SAFETY: Signed into law.  Again, this bill received good support on both sides of the aisle as it strengthens penalties for certain violent crimes and gives public safety officers the resources they need to help keep citizens safe.

ENVIRONMENT: Signed into law.  This bill funds programs that help protect our land, air, and waterways.  Governor Pawlenty signed the bill and then removed a few expensive items to put the bill more in his personal price range.

CAPITAL INVESTMENT: Vetoed.  The House/Senate Conference Committee came back with a bill that was five times more expensive than the Governor wanted.  His veto was no surprise.  As this is not a bonding year, I would not be surprised if this issue is not brought up again until next year.

JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Vetoed.  The Governor opposed this plan because it spent $56 million more than he wanted. He also noted the bill lacks fairness in the distribution of economic development funding and contains policy items that will have a negative impact on business.

STATE GOVERNMENT FINANCE: Vetoed.  The Governor said the bill relies on unrealistic revenue projections to increase spending beyond sustainable levels.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES:  Vetoed.  This bill was vetoed for plans to grow spending in this area by 21 percent over the next two years and 40 percent after that.  That level of funding is completely unsustainable without massive income tax increases.

HIGHER EDUCATION: Vetoed.  The governor called this bill "underwhelming and uninspiring" for its lack of significant reform and sent it back with a veto. 

TRANSPORTATION: Awaiting action from Governor.  This bill will be vetoed.  The House approved the bill last night, which contains what amounts to a seven-and-a-half cent gas tax increase, as well as price hikes on vehicle registration fees, wheelage taxes, and fees on car rentals.  It also authorizes any county outside the metro area to - following a referendum - impose a ½ cent sales tax and $20 vehicle excise tax for specific transportation projects. And it eliminates Hennepin County's contribution for the operation of the Hiawatha light rail line, which will cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

(On a side note regarding transportation, radio ads are chastising my opposition to the transportation package, and the attempts to scare the listener by questioning "Will they ever fix Highway 14?" Anyone from our area already knows that funding is secured for a 4-lane highway from Mankato to Owatonna, and this bill has no provision that addresses Highway 14.   Another good example of a political scare tactic.)

K-12 EDUCATION, TAXES: Still in conference committee.  If the tax increase provisions aren't removed from these bills when the compromise bill is created, Governor Pawlenty has promised to veto them.  Without any tax increases, spending will increase 9.8 percent over the next two years, that's an amount the governor feels is reasonable and more in-line with the means of Minnesotans.

With less than a week to go, can we work out our differences and finish on time?  Stay tuned!

 Talk to you soon,

 Connie