Finance Bills Unveiled in Minnesota House

The Minnesota House is in the process of unveiling its finance bills as we prepare to bring them to the floor for full votes.

We are committed to limiting state spending to the $34 billion in projected revenues over the next biennium.

While this reflects a nearly 15 percent increase in spending, we are committed to true reform that positions us to address the structural deficits we are facing ... without raising taxes on Minnesotans. Here are a few examples:

K-12 EDUCATION FINANCE BILL

This bill increases our state contribution to education to over $14.3
billion, relieves mandates and initiates significant reforms in a kids
first, no exceptions, no excuses effort. Key components include:

• Increased per-pupil funding for the schools in our district.
• The creation of new enrollment options for low-income students in persistently low-performing schools in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth.
• Implementation of an A-F school grading system, making it easier for parents to evaluate and compare schools and reward schools that are innovative and effective.

JOBS/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BILL

This legislation prioritizes spending through a focus on private-sector
workforce development programs to help Minnesotans get back to work.
Here's an overview:

• Creates Youth Workforce Development Competitive Grant Program. This program is a pilot project that can be applied to future pass through grants for business development and adult services.
• Continues funding for the Inventors Congress and Biobusiness Alliance, initiatives that spearhead innovation and lay the foundation for the future of Minnesota's marketplace.
• Uses a $60 million transfer from the Douglas Johnson Fund and a $13 million transfer from the Unemployment Insurance contingent account to fund jobs and economic development priorities.

STATE GOVERNMENT FINANCE BILL

The State Government Finance Bill implements sweeping reform
initiatives designed to reduce costs, improve services to taxpayers, and
prepare government for the challenges we face in the coming decades.

These reforms promote fiscal stability, modernize state services and
drive continued innovation. The particulars include:

• Total Funding of $602 million or a 33 percent reduction from base level funding.
• Increases funding for Veterans Affairs by 2.5 percent and Military Affairs by 7.7 percent.
• Reforms state government by strategically reducing the state workforce by 2015, implements a Sunset Commission, to review outdated programs, introduces a zero-based budgeting principle, allows for pay for performance and encourages innovation.

These are just a few bills in a series we're working on as part of a priorities-based package to help us balance the budget for a sustainable future. I will keep you posted as things develop. Continue sending me your thoughts and suggestions by e-mailing rep.kelby.woodard@house.mn.