Mike Jungbauer
Minnesota State Senator
End of the Year Update
December 18, 2009
Dear Friends:
This will likely be my last email message to you this calendar year, and I wanted to make sure I had the opportunity to pass on a heartfelt “Merry Christmas” greeting from my family to yours.
I also have a few Capitol updates. During the past few weeks, some House and Senate members of the Health and Human Services committee called for a reinstatement of funding of the General Assistance Medical Care program, which was discontinued this year as part of the state’s budget cutting.
After the cut, many recipients were moved into the state’s MinnesotaCare health program and can receive health care with premiums of just $6 a month and co-pays of $3-4. For $36 a year, many of Minnesota’s most vulnerable citizens are receiving health insurance, showing again that Minnesota is leading the way in the nation in affordable healthcare.
Regarding the projected $1.2 billion shortfall in the current state budget, Gov. Tim Pawlenty said this week that he would propose spending cuts to legislators before February 4th so we could act quickly to make budget adjustments and get on with the other work of this shorter non-budget session. Our state’s current biennial operating budget contains a $1.2 billion shortfall that we must balance by the end of session this spring. We also need to begin addressing the deficit for fiscal years 2012-2013 that is predicted to grow to $5.4 billion.
The Governor has proposed a constitutional amendment that will cap the state’s general fund budget at the actual amount of revenue received during the previous budget period.
Earlier this month, the Senate Tax Committee had an informal hearing on the idea – the bill has not yet been formally introduced – bringing out strong opinions on both sides.
The legislative session will begin February 4th and the primary agenda will be the bonding (capital investment) bill and balancing the state budget. Legislative leaders are looking to pass a $1 billion bonding bill early in the session to spark job growth and infrastructure upgrades.
It has been a tough 2009 for our great state, but I am optimistic that things will improve in 2010. I will begin the Weekly Capitol Updates in January as we begin preliminary hearings in preparation for the session. As always, I appreciate constituent feedback and comments as we tackle the tough issues.
Until the New Year, be safe and have a wonderful holiday!
121 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Office: (651) 296-3733 Mobile: 612-490-3142 Fax: (651) 296-4239
509 Highway 10 Elk River, MN 55330-1415
Conveniently located at the intersection of Highway 10 and Main Street.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone (763) 441-3110, Fax (763) 441-3409
eracc@elkriverchamber.org
