Tuesday evening, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed the Omnibus E-12 Education Finance and Policy Bill. Minnetonka and Wayzata public schools each will gain an additional $6 million a year, and Hopkins schools will gain $4.3 million.
"Manufacturing businesses reported difficulty filling 45 percent of current vacancies – a third of which remain unfilled due to a lack of skilled labor."
Dear Neighbors, As you may have heard Gov. Dayton has dropped his proposal to use business-to-business sales taxes to help balance the state budget. The ability to listen indicates real leadership. I am glad the governor listened to the public, the business community and legislators on this issue. Like many around the state, I have heard how this tax would have been a detriment to Minnesota’s business community and our state’s long-term economic competitiveness. While the business-to-business tax proposal failed to garner much support, the governor, the vast majority of Minnesotans and I agree that Minnesota needs to make new investments in key areas like education, workforce development and public infrastructure. A recent study confirms…
Sen. Terri Bonoff and Rep. John Benson will host a meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at Minnetonka City Hall.
Local legislators want to hear your thoughts. Senator Terri Bonoff and Representative John Benson will host a town hall meeting at Minnetonka City Hall from 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27. The meeting will cover issues being addressed at the 2013 Legislative Session. Check out this recent news from the two legislators: Rep. John Benson On Tax Reform, Teen Drug Treatment and Insurance Fraud Rep. John Benson: We're Working on the State Budget Sen. Terri Bonoff: Focused on Balancing the State Budget Should Sales Tax Be Applied to Clothing? How Should Southwest LRT Be Funded?
In this Article:
"Minnesota’s health care costs increase roughly 8.5 percent each year. This increase is well above inflation and is unsustainable."
Dear neighbors, We had a particularly busy couple of weeks here in Saint Paul. We heard Governor Dayton’s State of the State address, the Public Safety Committee held three days of hearings, and I was busy working on several new pieces of legislation. Government reform Much of the discussion at the Capitol this session has centered on taxes: raising, lowering, and broadening them. While we need to have that conversation, we should not forget about continuing and expanding government reforms. Currently, Minnesota’s health care costs increase roughly 8.5 percent each year. This increase is well above inflation and is unsustainable. Gov. Mark Dayton has introduced competitive bidding for state health care contracts to harness the power of the…
"There are proposals in the Governor’s budget I plan to support; others that require additional scrutiny. For that reason your continuing input and advice is essential."
Dear neighbors, Greetings from the Capitol. Since my last newsletter there has been a lot of activity here. We have heard Governor Dayton’s budget proposal and begun the hard work of moving Minnesota toward a financially sound position. Governor’s budget proposal Governor Dayton recently released his budget proposal for the 2014-2015 biennium. The proposal is designed to end 15 years of structural deficits. Governor Dayton’s budget includes new investments in early, K-12, and higher education. His objective is to develop a world-class education system to better ensure Minnesotans are able to learn the skills they need to compete in the rapidly changing global economy. The Governor’s budget also includes significant property tax …
Legislators get busy with bills on their first week.
Editor’s Note: Capitol Review is a weekly look at what your state legislators are doing at the Minnesota Capitol—how they’re voting, the bills they’re writing and the issues they’re getting behind. Come back to Minnetonka Patch every Monday for a new Capitol Review. Senators Terri Bonoff, Rest and Eaton introduced-- S.F. No. 9: A bill for an act relating to taxation; sales and use; reducing the sales and use tax rate and modifying the exemption for sales of clothing; amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 297A.62, subdivision 1; 297A.67, subdivision 8. Referred to the Committee on Taxes. Under the bill, shoppers would pay sales tax on individual clothing items costing more than $200 dollars. The first $200 would be exempt. The bill …
In this Article:
"Before us is the challenge of honestly balancing the state’s approximately $2 billion deficit."
Dear Neighbors, As the state legislative session begins again, I would like to thank you for allowing me to serve as your State Representative. Before us is the challenge of honestly balancing the state’s approximately $2 billion deficit. I am proud to support five newly introduced priority pieces of legislation. Among the goals of these bills is expanding economic opportunities for families and businesses, implementing a healthcare exchange, and strengthening our commitment to public education in Minnesota. This legislation is only a starting place. As the legislative session moves forward I am eager to hear your ideas and concerns. I will continue to send you updates from the capitol and information about upcoming meetings and events. …
Stefan will challenge Democrat incumbent John Benson for the seat.
Name: Mr. Mark Stefan Place of residence: Minnetonka, MN Attended college: Yes College: Humboldt State University Degree: B.A. Job titles held: Small Business Owner Employers: Stefan and Associates Party affiliation: Republican Running for: State office Running for position: Minnesota House of Representatives Chamber/district: 44B Incumbent: No Previous elective offices : None Unsuccessful bids for elective offices : None Address P.O. Box 47642 Plymouth MN 55447 Name: Norann Dillon Title: Campaign Manager Website : StefanForHouse.com Facebook : facebook.com/StefanforHouse
Rep. John Benson: "The legislature missed several opportunities to reduce the deficit, pay back the billions of dollars it still owes our schools, or to significantly lower residential property taxes."
To the editor: The 2012 Legislative Session has adjourned. Our state leaves the biennium with a continuing fiscal deficit; we still owe our public schools over two billion dollars, while property taxes have increased by $370 million. Much of the property tax increase was caused by the elimination of the Homestead Credit last year. I opposed the elimination of this credit that benefited 95 percent of homeowners. I co-authored a Homestead Credit restoration bill, but was unable to convince the majority party to restore the credit. I voted for the state infrastructure bonding bill in spite of the fact that the state’s portion of the funding of the Southwest Light Rail Line was not included. The Twin West Chamber of Commerce, all the city …
"... the Constitution should not be used as a tool to circumvent the legislative process for partisan gain," said State Rep. John Benson.
Dear Friends and Neighbors, The legislative session began with everyone saying that jobs and securing a more stable economy for Minnesota were the top priorities. But the Legislature has failed to keep this promise. Too much time has been spent on divisive constitutional amendments. Whether one is in favor or opposed to the two amendments (an anti-marriage and Voter ID amendment) that will be on the ballot this November, the Constitution should not be used as a tool to circumvent the legislative process for partisan gain. I support all the elements of the proposed business property tax reduction except for the fact that it is not paid for. Our projected debt and deficits for the next biennium are already at $3.5 billion. Enacting this …
2:28 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
Thanks for the comment. Please tell me, what do you mean by it? more ›
dave
11:42 am on Monday, March 25, 2013
We tried to include a FREE Jobs & Training program as part of the $1B Stadium. FULL story http://weve-got-your-back-movie.com more ›