DHS Update
It seems that every week brings a new revelation of problems at this important department, which is why I continue to call for a full-scale audit by an independent auditor. We cannot possibly fix the problems if we don’t know what they are and we should not waste any more time waiting for problems to be self-reported.
This week we learned that more than 200 contracts at DHS, and more than 1300 across all state agencies, had not been executed properly. This highlights again why we must implement professional management practices and require accountability for failure to follow proper procedures. State taxpayers should not be left holding the bag for mismanagement or poor accounting practices.
Legislative Reform Committee
The focus of our most recent hearing was whether we should continue to use the February forecast as the basis for legislative budgeting or if we should instead use the November forecast to allow more time for Committees to prepare before the session begins. I personally favor continued use of the February forecast as I think it provides a more accurate view of the economic outlook because it takes into account the very important numbers from Christmas sales, which drive a significant portion of revenue for many businesses.
Instead of changing the forecast we use, I advocated for changing when the budget targets are given to Committees, so members know how much they will have to work with. Currently, budget targets are not usually given to Committee Chairs until a few weeks before the end of session, which results in the end-of-session frenzy. It would be better to give Committees their targets soon after the February forecast comes out so they can know focus on priorities that fit within the budget constraints.
Dayton Tour with MnDOT Commissioner Anderson Kelliher
I enjoyed the opportunity to take Commissioner Kelliher, Dayton Mayor Tim McNeil, Rep. Zack Stephenson, and Champlin Mayor Ryan Karasek on a tour of Dayton last Friday. The cities of Champlin and Ramsey have long been interested in getting a river crossing over the Mississippi somewhere in Dayton to alleviate congestion on 169 and 101. The purpose of this tour was the help the Commissioner and other stakeholders better understand the significant differences in developmental readiness between the Champlin/Ramsey side of the river and Dayton. I think it was eye opening for everyone to see that no north-south road currently exists and that the roads that do exist in this area are not all paved. The Dayton side simply isn’t ready to absorb the type of traffic flows any crossing would create and it will not be ready for decades.
The last time a possible river crossing was studied was in 2004. In the intervening 15 years, a number of other roads have been built that were not even contemplated then, including completing 610 between 169 and Maple Grove Parkway, and the recent approval of the Dayton Parkway Interchange (Brockton Interchange). In addition, I was able to show them why the current connection between 610 and I-94 is not adequate and made the case for completing that first to ensure adequate capacity for any future north-south road.
I think the tour made clear that any river crossing is still very far from being undertaken, if ever, and that the 2004 study must be thoroughly updated before any new proposals would be considered.
It was an honor to host Commissioner Anderson Kelliher in our district and we all really appreciated the time she took to come out and see first-hand the transportation challenges we are facing.
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Trade
Trade is an important part of Minnesota’s economy and will play an increasing role in our success as demographics change. The US currently has the world’s largest economy but only 5% of the world’s population. As the middle classes grow around the world, our economic growth will increasingly depend on our ability to export goods and services to these customers.
In 2018, Minnesota’s exports hit a record high of $23 billion, growing 10% over the previous year. Our top 5 export markets are Canada, China, Mexico, Japan and Germany.
Minnesota also has a significant amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) by companies from other countries in our state. In 2018, 900 foreign-owned businesses invested $28 billion in our state in and employed about 127,900 Minnesotans.
Two weeks ago I met with the head of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)’s Chicago office, Ralph Inforzato, to discuss current Japanese investment in Minnesota. I also encouraged him to consider our district for any future potential investments by Japanese companies. In 2016 (most current data available), Japan invested $2.3 billion in Minnesota and employed 8000 workers here. They are tied for #3 for the level of foreign direct investment in Minnesota. The top 5 countries for FDI in Minnesota are: Canada, the EU, Japan/German (tied), and the UK.
I also attended the 33rd Annual Governor’s International Trade Award’s Luncheon last week, which celebrates the Minnesota companies that excel in exporting and recognizes the contributions of foreign companies that invest in Minnesota. I was able to have a brief conversation with Governor Walz about the importance of getting the US Congress to pass the US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Free Trade Agreement. He agreed that it would be good for our economy and said he had also been in conversations with his former colleagues in Congress about the issue.
Rep. Robbins & Governor Walz at the International Trade Award Luncheon
Rep. Robbins with Rio Saito, Executive Director of Japan Siciety of MInnesota and Ralph Inforzato, Chief Executive Director, JETRO Chicago
Row the Boat!
It has been a busy few weeks! It is such a privilege to be able to meet so many people and work on so many different issues for our district.
I hope you all have a great weekend! #RowTheBoat! 😃
Row The Boat with Goldy!
Ribbon cutting at Arbor Lakes
CROSS Breakfast
Rogers Rotary Club
Manufacturing Employers Breakfast at ISD 728
Please Contact Me
Many of you have already been in touch to discuss your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you. Thank you for sharing your ideas! Please continue to contact me to discuss any matters to which I can be of assistance. My office phone number is 651-296-7806 or by email at rep.kristin.robbins@house.mn. My office is located on the second floor of the State Office Building in room 225.
Have a great weekend!
Kristin
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