ST. PAUL, MN – The 2017 Minnesota legislative session came to a successful conclusion early this morning with the House and Senate passing a balanced budget with responsible spending to strengthen Minnesota’s economy, education, and infrastructure. The new majority in the Minnesota State Senate accomplished their Advancing Minnesota agenda put forth in February, which includes comprehensive tax relief, an increase in funding for education, and significant investments in a comprehensive statewide transportation plan.

The 2017 legislative session is one of the most productive in recent history by delivering the largest tax relief package in nearly two decades, providing $648 million in relief to taxpayers with a special emphasis on seniors, students, parents with child care costs and business property owners. The $300 million transportation bill is the first serious investment in roads and bridges in nearly ten years, and the $1.3 billion-dollar increase in K-12 funding will expand opportunities for students across the state and put more money in the classroom.

Sen. Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth) played a key role in budget negotiations for the Jobs and Higher Education omnibus bills. He was appointed by leadership in the Senate to serve on both conference committees to help spearhead efforts to drive competition and innovation in Minnesota’s economy and high education institutions with forward-thinking policy and funding strategies. Both bills were among the first to pass the legislature with strong bipartisan support.

Anderson released the following statement following the adjournment of a productive five-month session:

“Minnesotans can be proud of the accomplishments of this legislative session. The process is not always pretty and can be frustrating at times, but working together with Governor Dayton we were able to have a great finished product and put our state in a position for success for the future. I am proud to be a member of a freshman class that accomplished what we set out to do when we were elected to a new majority. We worked together to pass a bipartisan budget, showing Minnesota we can find strengths across party lines to achieve common goals.”

Sen. Anderson championed important legislation to encourage growth and prosperity at all corners of the state. His efforts include:

• Establishing a Youth Skills Training Program to prepare the workforce of the future.
• Spurring local economic development with funding for the Job Creation Fund and Minnesota Investment Fund.
• Increasing aid and access to the need-based State Grant program to help make college more affordable.
• Requiring transparency and accountability to MnDOT’s trunk highway selection process.
• Sponsoring a Sales and Use Tax Exemption to cover costs of the Plymouth Ice Arena renovation.
• Increasing funding to the Parent Child Home Program.
• Investing in Math Corps to help elementary students achieve literacy by grade 3.
• Providing scholarships for teacher candidates of color.

On his experience as a first-time lawmaker, Sen. Anderson said:

“I was very pleased to have many of my bills included in the final budget bills that have now been sent to the Governor for his signature. I thank the Chairs of each committee for recognizing the causes I have worked hard to champion this session. I look forward to spending the interim back in the district, working hard to further advance issues important to Senate District 44.”

Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) spoke of the value brought to the Senate with the addition of Sen. Anderson’s hard work:

“With his long-time experience in both the private and public sector, Paul Anderson came ready to make a big impact in the Minnesota State Senate,” said Sen. Gazelka. “He displayed strong leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to conservative principles as a member of five Senate Committees, including his role as Vice Chair of the Jobs and Economic Growth Committee. The people of District 44 should be very proud of what he has accomplished in his first legislative session.”

Other notable legislative accomplishments this session include tackling the health care crisis with premium relief and reform, conforming to the federal REAL ID law, passing Sunday Liquor Sales, and fixing teacher licensure to address an urgent workforce shortage.

 

Sen. Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth) is serving his first term in the Minnesota State Senate representing Senate District 44, which includes the communities of Plymouth, Minnetonka and Woodland. Sen. Anderson is the Vice Chair of Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy and serves on the E-12 Policy, E-12 Finance, Higher Education Finance and Policy, and Taxes Committees.