Politics & Government

Rep. Yvonne Selcer: 'Big News on Several Fronts'

"Early this week each finance committee will be receiving its financial target, and so will start the process of determining how best to move forward within the framework of fiscal reality."

Hello Neighbors, 

This has been a very busy time at the state Capitol, with some long floor sessions and committee meetings. To learn more about what has been happening, please view my video update here, then read the rest of this update.

There is big news on several fronts.  First, as I mentioned in my video update, the governor released his newly revised budget. In it he eliminated the service, including the business-to-business, tax. You can view the Governor’s revised budget here.

Find out what's happening in Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As always, I remain firmly committed to balancing the budget in a way that does not use shifts and unsound practices. We as a state must regain our top credit rating; our taxpayers’ precious dollars should be spent on services, not interest on debt. That is one of the reasons why I am the chief author of House File 1, which pays back the delayed payments to our schools that are currently in place. However, we must also make those strategic investments that will help move us forward and keep Minnesota one of the best places in the nation to live. Please continue to send me your thoughts on how best to accomplish these goals.

The House was in session for many hours last week as we considered the House/Senate Conference Committee’s recommendations regarding the Minnesota Health Care exchange. These recommendations were passed in the House. After carefully listening to input from the community, my view is that the legislation we passed is a sound starting point and will work well for Minnesotans. As we designed the exchange ourselves, rather than accepting the federal model, we will have more control over future modifications.

Find out what's happening in Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Along with serving on the Transportation and Energy policy committees, I also serve on the Education Finance committee. The question that guides my decision making as proposed legislation comes before the committee is, “How will this improve student achievement”? We need to make smart investments, with accountability measures attached, to ensure that we have the world’s best workforce.  Early this week each Finance committee will be receiving its financial “target,” and so will start the process of determining how best to move forward within the framework of fiscal reality.

Look for a follow-up email in the next few days to hear about House budget targets and what they mean for the state budget and funding priorities.

Please stay in touch as we move through these crucial legislative weeks. As always, thank you for allowing me to be your voice at our state Capitol.

Rep. Yvonne Selcer (48A)


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