Legislative Update from Rep. David FitzSimmons

Dear neighbor,

With the improved budget forecast, we are expecting a revised budget proposal from Governor Dayton this week. In recent days, we have heard the governor say that he plans to drop the business-to-business tax and expanded sales tax proposals. While this is encouraging news, I believe that putting forward those tax increases to begin with sent the wrong message to the business community about our desire to be competitive with our neighboring states. Governor Dayton has indicated he still plans to impose further tax increases on Minnesotans in his updated budget plan. Please know that I continue to oppose increasing taxes on hard-working Minnesota families and businesses.

Last week, I signed on to House File 1324, a bipartisan gun bill that strengthens penalties on felons and repeat criminal offenders, cracks down on straw purchasers, improves criminal data-sharing and the background check system, and enhances the reporting system for those who are determined by a court to be mentally ill. This legislation is supported by both the NRA and the Minnesota Sheriffs Association.

I’m proud to be co-authoring two transportation bills – House File 1292 with Rep. Marion O’Neill of Buffalo and House File 1310 with Rep. Zachary Dorholt of St. Cloud – that would provide funding for expanding I-94. Widening I-94 from four lanes to six lanes between Rogers and St. Michael remains a top priority of mine.

I was honored to attend the Cornerstone Women’s Center Gala last weekend. Cornerstone is a life-affirming organization helping those in a crisis pregnancy center by providing ultra sounds, free pregnancy testing, counseling, support, post-abortion counseling, materials assistance and much more for women in need. Over 500 people were in attendance.

On Monday, I had the privilege to present the head coach of the STMA Varsity Wrestling Team with a resolution congratulating them on their first place tie in the State Tournament. Each player was given a copy of the resolution at the wresting awards ceremony that evening.

As your voice in St. Paul, I am interested in your feedback. Please feel free to contact me by e-mail at Rep.David.Fitzsimmons@House.MN or contact my office at 651-296-1534. You can also send me mail to my office address: 227 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155. Please feel free to share this e-mail with your family, friends, and neighbors so they can sign up and stay in touch.

Sincerely,

David