Priorities for the 2007 Legislative Session

The 85^th Legislative Session convened on January 3^rd and several of the first bills proposed reflect some top legislative priorities for the 2007 Session. Five of the first eight bills introduced focus on the key issues of education, health care and property tax relief.

The proposals address issues in a fiscally responsible way and achieve goals like lowering property taxes, making sure every child in Minnesota has health care and expanding access to voluntary allday kindergarten. The costs of these proposals are within the current budget projections. Included among the proposed legislation are:

A Property Tax Relief Bill that uses a combination of aid increases to cities and counties, more school aid and levy support and direct credits and refunds to homeowners to reduce property taxes;

A Cover-All-Kids Bill that will ensure that every child in Minnesota has health care;

A Full-Day Kindergarten Bill that will make voluntary full-day kindergarten available in every school district in the state;

An Early Education Bill that restores funding to 2003 levels and increases school readiness and Head Start funding;

An Increased K-12 Funding Bill that will increase the basic formula by 3% in 2008 and 3% in 2009;

A 25/20 Renewable Energy Bill that increases the percentage of retail electric sales that must be generated from eligible renewable sources from the current 10% by 2015 to

• 5% in 2010,
• 11% in 2013,
• 15% in 2015 and
• 25% in 2020.

A Lights-On Bill that will prevent a future government shutdown.

In addition, on January 11^th, the House of Representatives passed a Federal Tax Conformity Bill that provides $20 million in tax relief to Minnesota taxpayers.

On a personal note, I am truly honored to serve as Chair of the House Capital Investment Committee for the 2007-08 Legislature. This committee’s primary job is to oversee the bonding bills and legislation that borrows money to pay for building projects and state infrastructure investments. I look forward to leading this committee as we make important longterm investments in higher education, the environment, transportation, and local community projects. My other committee assignments include: Finance; Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs; Transportation and Transit Policy; and Transportation Finance. In addition, I was appointed Speaker Pro Tempore to preside over House Floor activity when the Speaker is not available.

To stay on top of the actions at the House of Representatives, I suggest subscribing to Session Weekly, a non-partisan publication produced by the House Public Information Office. For additional information about the legislative process go to the House of Representatives website or sign up online for a free subscription to Session Weekly.

As part of my effort to keep you informed of activities at the Minnesota Legislature, I will be sending out periodic e-mail updates. You can sign up online for my e-newsletter. Thank you for your support and I look forward to hearing from you.

— Rep. Alice Hausman
February, 2007