State Senator Rich Draheim said, in anticipation of the spending agreement announced yesterday by the Legislative Leadership and the Governor, that he hopes the GOP can meet its priority of immediately cutting taxes for all Minnesotans.
Leaders of the state House of Representatives, the state Senate and Governor Tim Walz yesterday announced the framework for a deal that would use the record $9.3 billion dollar state surplus for a number of prioritized issues on both sides of the aisle.
The agreement reportedly includes $4 billion in tax cuts, $1 billion in education spending, and an additional $1 billion in public safety spending all over the next three years. Additionally, there is $1.4 billion set aside for a bonding bill and $1.5 billion allocated to “other investments.” Details within the framework will be left to the various conference committees to work out.
Draheim said the tax cuts will be the highest priority to his party. Republicans in the Senate this session proposed what eventually became an $8.65 billion tax cut over the next three years. The cuts would reduced the lowest state income tax bracket from 5.3% to 2.8%. He said 5.3% is more than the highest bracket in 17 states and cutting the number nearly in half would give working Minnesotans a much-needed break.
The proposal would also eliminate all state taxes on Social Security income.
“We’ve had surplus after surplus,” he said. “We have a structural problem. We’re collecting too much [in taxes]. So, what we’re proposing to do is to give that money back in permanent tax cuts.”
The bonding bill is a priority to many Democrats and Republicans, as not only is 2022 an election year, but because it is also a year when electoral districts have been redrawn, every seat in the legislature is up for election in November. Draheim said he, himself, does not have any specific projects he would like to see receive funding, but he does believe infrastructure should receive top priority.
“To me it’s not how much we spend, but what we spend it on. I’m a true believer that any water project – clean water or wastewater – should be at the top of the list. Everybody should have clean drinking water, and of course wastewater plays into that. And after that it would be roads and bridges and then everything else after that.”
It is now up to the two sides to work out the details. Draheim said this can be an especially hard week, and he is hopeful much can be accomplished before the legislature adjourns on Monday.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Senator Rich Draheim can be heard here
Filing deadline for city offices approaches
The City of Northfield is reminding everybody that the filing period for election to City offices ends at 5 p.m., Tuesday, May 31, two weeks from today.
Amnog the offices on the ballot for 2022 include the Council Member At-Large seat currently held by Clarice Grenier Grabau. Councilor Grabau is not seeking re-election to the council, as she has been endorsed by the DFL committee of the newly drawn Senate District 58 for that seat.
The seat currently held by First Ward City Council Member Suzie Nakasian will be up for election. There is no word yet if Councilor Nakasian, who has served three terms on the council will be seeking a fourth term.
Councilor Jessica Peterson White will be seeking another term on the council representing the city’s Fourth Ward. This would technically be her fourth term on the council. Her first term was truncated, as she was first elected to fill out the term of Councilor Patrick Ganey, who moved to Vermont.
Peterson-White said she is excited about the prospects for another termon the council.
“I would be honored to continue to serve the people of Northfield’s 4th ward as their city councilor. I’m so proud of all we’ve accomplished over the past several years, including key community development projects that will help businesses grow and make it easier for people to find safe, affordable housing in Northfield. We’ve made strategic investments in our streets and other infrastructure, in our downtown, and made Northfield an even better place to live and work. We’ve also built a great, high-functioning team of policymakers and staff who are doing this work collaboratively, transparently, and with beautiful enthusiasm and commitment to what’s best for the common good. Over the next few years, I hope to continue our work on equity and inclusion in every area of the City’s work, to grow our tax base to reduce the burden on residential taxpayers, and to build a Northfield where everyone can truly thrive, and where everyone has a voice.”
All of the offices are four-year terms. Candidates must complete an Affidavit of Candidacy and a Public Disclosure Form.
Please note documents must be notarized, filing fee paid, and received no later than 5pm on May 31. Documents submitted after this time will not be accepted.
Those who are not yet registered to vote are encouraged to do so prior to Election Day, although Minnesota State law does allow for same day registration. Primary elections will be held on August 8, Election Day will be November 8.
For more information, contact City Clerk Lynette Peterson at 507-645-3001 or email her at lynette.peterson@ci.northfield.mn.us
High School Ultimate Frisbee Club will look to teach and raise money on Thursday
On Thursday, the Northfield High School Ultimate Frisbee Club Team, The Mighty Hucks, will hold an ultimate Frisbe
e clinic and fundraiser, prior to their one of the last games of the year.
After multiple seasons of disruptions, the Northfield Mighty Hucks are having one of their best seasons since their inception. Currently ranked seventh in the state, with a 6-1 record and a +30 goal differential, the Mighty Hucks will take on Chaska at their final home game prior to end-of-season tournaments. The team is inviting those of all ages to join them on the field to learn game techniques from 5–5:30, and then stay and watch the exciting game beginning at 6 p.m.
According to USA Ultimate Frisbee, Ultimate is a non-contact, self-officiated disc sport played by two teams of seven players. The object of the game is to score goals. A goal is scored when a player catches any legal pass in the end zone that player is attacking. A player may not run while holding the disc. The disc is advanced by passing it to other players. The disc may be passed in any direction. Any time a pass is incomplete, a turnover occurs, resulting in an immediate change of the team in possession of the disc. Players are empowered to self-officiate.
The event is free to attend. Donations will be accepted during the event for the Community Action Center.
The match will also be streamed live on the KYMN website.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
[recent_post_carousel slides_to_show=”1″ limit=”5″ slides_to_scroll=”1″ category=”10″ media_size=”medium” dots=”false” show_read_more=”false”]
