Politics & Government

Garofalo: School Payments, Fireworks Updates

Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-District 36B) represents the Dakota County precinct of Northfield.

BILL TO PAY BACK SCHOOLS SENT TO GOVERNOR

My bill to pay back $430 million borrowed from schools was sent to the Governor today.  The state of Minnesota has over $1 billion in its cash accounts.  I believe we should use some of that money to pay off the debt the state owes schools.  This bill would leave our cash/budget reserve accounts at higher levels than the previous legislature did.  So far the Governor has been critical of this bill, but I'm hopeful he will reconsider and sign it.  The arguments against this bill have been...well...they have been pretty bizarre.  When you have cash, you pay off your debts.  Simple.  Lets hope common sense prevails. 

FIREWORKS BILL UP FOR VOTE ON HOUSE FLOOR 

I expect that we will be voting on a bill today to legalize fireworks in Minnesota.  Currently Minnesota only allows certain fireworks (sparklers, etc.)  This bill would allow the fireworks everyone buys in Wisconsin, to be legal here.  Instead of Minnesotans taking their money over to Wisconsin, I prefer we keep it in our state.  I plan on voting in favor of this but am interested in your thoughts. 

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WHEN SOMETHING IS 100 YEARS OLD - IT'S GONNA NEED A LITTLE REPAIR 

The Minnesota State Capitol is over 100 years old.  For many years, members of both parties have neglected to address the numerous structural repairs this historic building has needed.  This year a bill is moving forward on a multi-year project to preserve and fix the capitol.  Given the historic nature of this building, it is more costly than the standard modernization project.  However, unless we want to tear down the Capitol - this work is needed.  I'm supportive of the effort to preserve the Capitol and hope the Governor and Senate agree to it. 

Find out what's happening in Northfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

ABBY'S JOKE OF THE MONTH 

Q - What is the definition of "out of bounds"?...

A - A tired kangaroo. ;-)  

As always, it is an honor to serve as your State Representative.  Please feel free to contact/email me with any questions or concerns.  Thanks!  

Rep. Pat Garofalo
Chairman Education Finance Committee
District 36B
537 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
(651) 296-1069 
1-888-667-3337

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