This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Rep. Selcer: We need to find a more balanced way to pay for state priorities

I voted against the House tax bill. I believe that we need to continue to look for more reforms in the way we do business in government as part of the fiscal solution before we raise this revenue.

Dear Neighbors,

This week, many finance bills have been passed in the House of Representatives. I wanted to bring you an update and invite your continued input as we move forward.

The Jobs and Economic Development bill passed. The bill includes financial incentives to encourage employers to set up shop in Minnesota and provides employers with a $350 million tax cut.  The bill also includes reforms for job training in today’s 21st century market.

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

The E-12 Education bill we passed sets its sights on building the world’s best workforce through research-based investments that will provide all children with the educational opportunity to reach their full potential and succeed in the workplace and post secondary education. The proposal includes strategic investments made in early childhood education and all-day kindergarten, both known to help all children get off to a good start and close the achievement gap. 

Our Minnesota college students are graduating with one of the highest debt loads in the nation. The Higher Education bill we passed freezes in-state tuition at the University of Minnesota and our state college system for the next two years. The bill also includes new reforms to expand oversight on the U of MN and MnSCU to make sure our tax dollars are being accounted for. 

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

The House Transportation bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support this week. This bill includes the Safe Routes to School program that works to increase safety and opportunity for children to walk and bicycle to school.   It also looks for savings by establishing a review process for MnDOT-owned lands to determine potential excess land that could be sold. Funding for South West Light Rail is found in the House bonding bill. I will continue to work with my colleagues to move this important project.

As you may have heard, the House Tax bill passed last Wednesday. After much deliberation based on input from many of you who have called for a balanced approach to our state budget, I voted against the bill. The bill takes steps to get Minnesota’s budget in order without shifts or gimmicks, pays back the money shifted from our children’s education with a .5% surcharge on top income earners, raises taxes on high income earners, and increases alcohol and cigarette taxes. I believe that we need to continue to look for more reforms in the way we do business in government as part of the fiscal solution before we raise this revenue.

The House Tax bill has now passed the floor and will go to a conference committee where the House and Senate will work out differences.  I will work closely with my colleagues in the legislature to help bring a more balanced plan back to the floor and hope you’ll contact me with you views.

Your input throughout the session has been instrumental in guiding my decisions at the State Capitol.  Please contact me at any time.

Best,

 

Representative Yvonne Selcer

651-296-3964

rep.yvonne.selcer@house.mn

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?