Governor Walz Releases State Budget Proposal
Last week, Governor Walz announced his proposed two-year budget. The budget includes $52.4 billion in spending and calls for $1.64 billion in new taxes on Minnesotans.
Amongst other things, the legislation would:
- Move Minnesota to #3 for highest income tax rates
- Move Minnesota to #2 for the highest business tax rate
- Defund the Reinsurance program, increasing health care premiums
- Increase state park entrance fees
- Appropriate $150 million for the Minneapolis riots
Governor Walz has presented his new two-year budget for the 2021-2022 legislative cycle. As in previous budget proposals, Governor Walz is proposing an increase in taxes and fees.
With the economic challenges presented by COVID-19, I do not believe we should further burden Minnesota taxpayers with additional costs at this very difficult time. Rather we should be thinking about lifting the burden by looking for reforms and reducing the cost of government. We cannot tax and spend our way to prosperity but can find it only by carefully assessing our needs and prioritizing our spending in a results-orientated fashion.
[INSERT VIDEO ON BUDGET]
Chosen as NCEL’s Minnesota State Lead
The National Caucus of Environmental Legislators has selected me as the 2021 Minnesota State Lead. This position reflects a continued sense of dedication to Minnesota’s environmental issues and a demonstrated leadership role within the Caucus.
We all want Minnesota’s environment to be clean and accessible for everyone. It should be our goal to leave a legacy of clean and preserved lands for future generations to enjoy. At the root of this issue is how Minnesota approaches energy. As the Clean Energy First bill’s Chief-author, I have focused on pushing for energy efficiency and moving Minnesota towards greener carbon-free methods. I genuinely believe that this has been some of my most important work in the Senate. I want to thank the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators for this distinction and look forward to leading on this issue on their national stage.
Throughout my career as the senior senator from Rochester, I have been a lead voice within the Republican Caucus of the Minnesota Senate, working toward a transition to clean, affordable and reliable energy. My most recent work involved his authorship of the Clean Energy First bill; legislation which would direct the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to prioritize energy efficiency and carbon-free resources when evaluating utilities’ integrated resource plans while also ensuring reliability, affordability, and local benefits to Minnesota citizens and workers.
As a State NCEL Lead, I will assist in advancing environmental issues in the state and have a prestigious leadership role in the Caucus by coordinating relevant in-state events and introducing colleagues to NCEL.
“State Leads are a vital embodiment of the thriving, diverse NCEL network,” said Jeff Mauk, Executive Director of NCEL. “Led by legislators, this Caucus calls on State Leads to mobilize their commitment to effective environmental policy by engaging their home states, while exchanging knowledge with like-minded legislators across the country.”
Created by and for state legislators, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes over 1,000 environmentally-committed state legislators from all 50 states and both major parties. NCEL provides venues and opportunities for lawmakers to share ideas and collaborate on their environmental priorities.
Covid-19 Vaccine Update
Minnesota will vaccinate more seniors through providers. Starting this week, Minnesota will make more COVID-19 vaccinations available through health care providers in Minnesota.
Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said, “While not all health care providers currently have vaccines, a Find MY Vaccine shows providers that do.”
As vaccinators wrap up health care providers and long-term care workers and residents, 35,000 vaccines will be available to those 65 and older through health care providers and state vaccine clinics this week. More data on vaccinations can be found here.
Selection of Advocates Researchers, Legislators to serve on Women’s Economic Security Task Force
I am one of the 15 members to serve on the Advisory Task Force on Expanding the Economic Security of Women. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced that he has selected including advocates, researchers, Minnesotans with an interest in the topic, a legislator from each house and each party, and a representative from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
Here is an article How Dave Senjem became the lone male on the Minnesota task force for women’s economic equality .