Kim Norton - Legislative Newsletter 2/28/2008
02/28/2008
Dear Neighbors,
The 2008 Legislative Session is well underway...and we've only been here officially for two weeks. With a lot to accomplish before the close of session on May 19, we have gotten off to a running start as promised with a focus on jobs, transportation and bonding.
Some key issues being dealt with early in the session:
· A comprehensive transportation package for roads, bridges, and transit improvements statewide was passed by both bodies of the Legislature and will become law.
· An important capital investment (bonding) bill capable of creating as many as 10,000 jobs in our state is moving quickly as the Legislature considers hundreds of bonding proposals from communities statewide.
· Essential efforts for job creation and economic growth including legislation to create a better business environment that encourages entrepreneurship and investments in high-tech industries.
Important work on property tax relief, education, and health care reform is taking place in a number of committees in both the House and Senate. A flurry of activity has consumed every corner of the Capitol at the start of what I am hopeful will be a productive legislative session.
In the coming weeks and months, I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns. Your input during these crucial days is extremely important. Please take a moment to drop by the Capitol and see me in person to speak about the issues and specific bills most important to you. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kim Norton
State Representative
NEXT CONSTITUENT MEETING
Second Saturday of the Month (March 8, 2008)
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Dunn Brothers Coffee
120 Elton Hills Drive NW, Rochester
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LEGISLATURE PASSES COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PACKAGE
After decades of neglect, we in the Legislature passed a responsible transportation package (HF2800) with bipartisan support that directs $6.6 billion into Minnesota's transportation system over the next ten years. Unfortunately Governor Pawlenty vetoed the measure, but the Legislature bypassed his efforts to block the bill by voting to override that decision. The override vote passed on a bipartisan basis in the House by a margin of 91 to 41.
I understand the concerns some may have about adjusting the level of our state's gas tax – and I take those concerns seriously – but the safety and wellbeing of Minnesotans should always come first. I voted for HF2800, because we can't afford to neglect our transportation system any longer. Minnesota is $2.4 billion behind every year in maintaining our current system. With the passage of this bill, we can help bridge that gap, and get back to work on improving our roads, bridges, and transit options.
A lack of state funding for our roads and bridges has forced local property taxes through the roof. $1.6 billion in property tax revenue is spent every year by local governments on roads and bridges – more than is brought in by the state's gas tax, and three times what is collected from license tab fees. This new transportation package will relieve the burden on property tax payers, and restore a fairer transportation funding system for our state.
The passage of HF2800 will provide a significant amount of transportation funding for our communities that will alleviate the burden of skyrocketing property taxes. Over the course of the next ten years:
· The City of Rochester will receive approximately $9.4 million in additional funding; and
· Olmsted County will receive approximately $22.5 million in additional funding.
HF2800 makes a significant reinvestment in Minnesota's comprehensive transportation system statewide. It will provide:
· $6.6 billion over the next ten years for Minnesota roads, bridges, and transit;
· $650 million solely dedicated to the 13 "fracture-critical" bridges in Minnesota with $50 million in general obligation bonds for local bridges;
· $100 million per year over the next twelve years for expanded transit-with the 7-county metro area paying 1/4 cent sales tax to help cover their specific needs;
· 40 additional state troopers;
· A tax credit/refund for low-income individuals; and
· 33,000 new jobs each year over the next five years.
By increasing our investment in transportation, the State of Minnesota is poised to receive 20% back in matching funds from the federal government. As I've mentioned before, the state is currently losing these matching funds to other states that are making adequate investments in their own transportation systems.
Over the course of the last twenty years, our state hasn't been acting on its responsibility to provide a safe and reliable system of transportation infrastructure as directed by our state constitution. Having queried my constituents through surveys, taken many calls and emails, and listened carefully to the debate, I voted to change that this week by ensuring that we build and maintain the kind of transportation system this state needs to secure a viable and successful future.
DEDICATED FUNDING FOR THE OUTDOORS
The Legislature passed a bill in the first week of session to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot this November. The amendment would dedicate a new portion of the state sales tax (3/8 of one percent) to Minnesota's environment and natural resources, parks, and cultural heritage.
I greatly value Minnesota's environment and natural resources and take seriously my responsibility as your elected representative to invest adequate resources in conservation efforts – but I did not support this legislation. Budgeting by constitution is not a fiscally responsible way to provide critical resources for any purpose. For that reason, I voted against the bill. Nonetheless, I want you to be informed about this legislation – both its drawbacks and merits.
If Minnesota voters approve the amendment, it would provide reliable funding capable of sustaining consistent resources for our environment well into the future. Funding provided by this new constitutional amendment would be dedicated to the following permanent funds:
- Outdoor Heritage Fund – 33 percent for enhancement of wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for game, fish and wildlife.
- Clean Water Fund – 33 percent for water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams, with at least 5 percent dedicated to protecting drinking water sources.
- Parks and Trails Fund – 14.25 percent for parks and trails.
- Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund – 19.75 percent for arts and the preservation of Minnesota's history and cultural heritage.
The choice will be yours at the ballot box this year. If you have any questions or concerns about this proposed constitutional amendment, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
MAIN-AUTHORED BILLS HEARD TO DATE
HF 2776 Steam Pipes from Waste-To-Energy Burner to UCR (Bonding Bill)
HF 624 Volleyball Center Completion (Bonding Bill)
HF 2426 TEFRA Re-Determination Deadline Extended
HF 3150 Small Business Development Centers Funded
HF 3151 Lifetrack/IMAA Job-skills Pilot Grant Funded
HF 2628 Teen Provisional Drivers License
HF2623 MCA Results Deadline Established in May
FREE TAX PREPARATION AND E-FILE SERVICES
With tax season upon us, I wanted to remind you that the Department of Revenue coordinates free tax-preparation for seniors, disabled citizens, and low-income earners. Volunteers across the state help prepare federal and state tax returns for senior citizens, disabled citizens, and individuals with an income of $30,000 or less ($40,000 or less for families). If you meet these criteria and need help filing your tax returns, or know somebody who does, I would strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.
To schedule an appointment for these free tax preparation services, please call (952) 933-9639 ext. 211. For more information, log on to the Minnesota Department of Revenue's website at: http://www.taxes.state.mn.us/vita/free_tax_prep.shtml.
Kim Norton
House of Representatives-29B
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