By: Senator John Jasinski
Senate Republicans have been trying really hard to work together with our counterparts on the other side of the aisle. Unfortunately, Democrats are frequently not as willing to work together.
Take the dual issues of bonding and tax relief. Republicans have been consistent that we want to do both. I have voted for every bonding bill that has come before me. I am a strong advocate for using smart bonding for critical infrastructure and regionally important economic development projects. My record speaks for itself.
But with a $19 billion surplus and high inflation, we want to see tax relief urgently.
We recently made a compromise offer to Senate Democrats that would create a path forward to get both of these important issues done right away.
Republicans will support the $1.5 billion bonding bill Democrats tried to pass a couple of weeks ago, as long as they also agree to provide $3 billion tax cuts that include completely eliminating the tax on Social Security benefits, plus a few other things.
This was our offer:
- Pass their bonding bill + an extra $200 million for local roads and bridges
- Pass their bill to fund certain infrastructure projects with cash
- Pass a tax bill with $3 billion in relief, with a full elimination of the tax on Social Security benefits
- NO tax increases
- More funding for human services to address urgent needs at nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- Additional funding for agriculture
It’s a fair, good-faith offer that addresses the immediate priorities that Minnesotans want us to work on. I hope they take us up on it.
Senate Democrats shut out projects in Republican districts
One of the things I enjoy most about the bonding committee is that it has historically been pretty bipartisan and congenial. But after the bonding bill failed a couple of weeks ago, they have moved away from that bipartisan approach.
As I write this column, over the last three committee meetings Democrats have heard 138 projects for Democrat districts and exactly zero projects for Republican districts.
It is frustrating. We want to work together in good-faith, but we are unfortunately being met with resistance. There are a lot of communities across the state that have urgent projects. To completely shut those communities out of a debate because of a political hissy fit is really a slap in the face to half of Minnesota.
Contact me:
If you have any questions about any issues we are working on at the legislature, feel free to contact me any time at sen.john.jasinski@senate.mn or 651-296-0284.
And you can always get the latest news from St. Paul on my Facebook page at fb.com/SenatorJohnJasinski.
It is a privilege to serve you!