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Friends and Neighbors,
After a very snowy week, house democrats continue to push their bill, HF1715, banning the sale of gas-powered lawn equipment. I heard from a number of constituents over the weekend about the shortcomings they or their friends have run into with electric equipment. The snowstorm we faced was a major catalyst where these machines fell short of the capabilities of their gas-powered counterparts and left several people with half-cleared driveways. There are cases where an electric alternative may fit the situation but to outright ban gas equipment in our state with its propensity for major weather events does not make sense.
On Tuesday we as House and Senate Republicans held a press conference in response to the Department of Revenue’s February budget forecast. Their report shows that we continue to have a $17.5 Billion surplus. State government is collecting unnecessary amounts of tax dollars and yet our proposals to give the surplus back have gotten zero hearings from the majority. A top priority for this surplus is to end the tax on Social Security. A repeal of the Social Security tax is a necessity as the Biden-Walz economy continues to pinch budgets with record-setting inflation. We need to provide relief, and with a massive budget surplus, we could provide that relief not just for seniors but for all Minnesota taxpayers.
I had the honor of presenting in my first bill hearing for HF 1187 in the Education Policy Committee. This bill adds clarity for students taking postsecondary classes for high school credit so they can be certain that these classes will count towards graduation. Testifiers from Glencoe- Silverlake Schools also joined me to add their stories to the bill and how this change will help students across the state.
This week members of Holly Trinity Church in Winsted joined with other Minnesotans from around the state to stand up for life. These constituents were so passionate for the rights of the unborn and defending life. I had a great time discussing our shared beliefs in life and how we must return Minnesota to a state that believes in the value of our most vulnerable.
Tuesday was Future Farmers of America (FFA) day on the hill. I had a great time visiting with the numerous FFA chapters that were around the capitol all day getting tours and observing the legislative prosses in action. These young adults are the future leaders of our great state. It was wonderful to see them all so engaged and learning about how our government works. I look forward to more visitors to the capitol as the session progresses. Please feel free to schedule a meeting and share your legislative concerns.
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/RepDawnGillman
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213 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
651.296.6746 |
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