As I talk to folks around the district, I hear many of the same concerns time and again. So, I’d like to share a few key issues on people’s minds, and if there’s something I’ve missed, please reach out. Your thoughts matter to me, and I’d love to hear about what’s affecting you.
First and foremost, the cost of living is a big issue for many. Inflation may be cooling in some areas, but prices on essentials like groceries and rent are still straining family budgets. Despite the media reports about a healthy economy, the reality doesn’t match the headlines for a lot of people. Credit card debt is up, and many families are struggling to afford daily necessities.
The legislature had a chance to ease some of this pressure. Last budget cycle, we started with a massive $18 billion surplus—a rare opportunity to offer real relief. Unfortunately, that surplus is now spent, and rather than directing it toward meaningful tax cuts or support for middle-class families, Democrats spent it on programs that haven’t made life more affordable. The families I talk to in Greater Minnesota are feeling the pinch, wondering where the relief went.
At the same time, new taxes and fees are piling on. In 2023 alone, we saw $10 billion in new taxes. This includes higher gas taxes, sales tax hikes, increased vehicle registration fees, and a payroll tax. These all take a toll on family budgets, hitting those who were already feeling stretched too thin.
Education is another area where people talk to me about a lot. This year, we passed historic funding increases for schools. But much of that funding got eaten up by new mandates, leaving schools in tough spots. Some districts are facing budget gaps and are now turning to local referendums, property tax hikes, and even making cuts just to keep things going.
Despite the spending, we’re still seeing low test scores and kids struggling to meet basic standards in reading, science, and math. Money alone isn’t solving these issues. What we need is a new approach that focuses on innovative ideas and planning that will truly support our students in achieving their potential.
There’s a bright spot here, though. One of the most important moves we made this year was restoring Student Resource Officers in schools. Parents, teachers, and staff deserve peace of mind, knowing that schools are safe environments for kids. Having resource officers back in schools is a step forward in ensuring security and support for students and teachers alike.
Another area where we made progress is in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). We secured $24 million in one-time funding for EMS providers, which should be distributed by the end of the year. Additionally, a new pilot program is set to launch in a few counties, where paramedics in SUVs with advanced life support can respond faster to emergencies. These “sprint medics” can arrive quicker than traditional ambulances, evaluate the situation, and decide if a full ambulance is necessary. It’s a promising approach to reduce delays in rural areas and improve emergency response times.
While these steps are good, they’re not enough on their own. We need a sustainable plan to address the ongoing challenges facing EMS, such as staffing shortages and gaps in coverage. This is critical to ensuring every Minnesotan has access to reliable emergency services, no matter where they live. I hope we can make this a priority in the next legislative session.
As we look toward the next session, starting on January 14, 2025, we’ll be tackling the state’s two-year budget. We’ll have an updated budget forecast in December, but one thing is clear: we can’t afford another spending spree like the last one. Blowing through an $18 billion surplus and then raising another $10 billion in new taxes was irresponsible and unsustainable. Families are feeling the effects of inflation, and reports show that Minnesotans’ paychecks are worth about $6,000 less than before the pandemic. It’s time for a budget that puts relief for working families first and keeps government spending in check.