Minnesota State Legislature

Rep. Drazkowski: Priority must be tax cuts

May 19, 2016

After the 2015 session began, lawmakers learned that Minnesota faced a $1.9 billion budget surplus. Throughout the campaign, the message I heard repeatedly from residents was that the State of Minnesota was over-collecting revenue, and that lawmakers should give relief to the people who are...

Rep. Drazkowski: Action awaits budget targets

May 11, 2016

With roughly two weeks remaining in the 2016 legislative session, we are once again in a holding pattern when it comes to the two most significant areas of discussion – tax relief and supplemental transportation funding. This is because we do not have budget targets. At this stage of the game,...

State senator's mobile office returns to Lake City May 7

Apr 28, 2016

With the 2016 legislative session entering its final weeks, State Sen. Matt Schmit is continuing his efforts to stay in touch with constituents through a series of mobile office hours held across the district. The mobile office has resumed a schedule of stops throughout southeastern Minnesota...

Drazkowski: More freedom means more tax revenues

Apr 20, 2016

On April 11, the Minnesota House took the rare step of trying to eliminate an antiquated law in the interest of personal freedom. Enjoy it while you can, as it doesn’t happen often. Much like Sunday liquor sales, when it comes to purchasing and using fireworks, Minnesota’s government tends to...

Rep. Drazkowski: Enhanced drivers licenses are a way to protect privacy while complying with federal law

Apr 13, 2016

On March 29, the Minnesota House of Representatives took the first step towards allowing REAL-ID-compliance, which would permit Minnesotans to legally board a commercial airplane beginning in 2018. A law passed in 2008 prohibited Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety from even discussing REAL...

Letters: Grateful to legislators for support for childhood health

Apr 13, 2016

To the editor: We want to thank State Rep. Tim Kelly and State Sen. Matt Schmit for meeting with us and local volunteers recently to discuss ways to increase active living and physical activity among Minnesota youth. As part of the Minnesotans for Healthy Kids Coalition Day at the Capitol, we...

Rep. Drazkowski: Budget surplus means it's time for tax cuts

Mar 9, 2016

On Feb. 26, state economists revealed our state’s latest fiscal numbers. They found Minnesota has a $900 million budget surplus, down from a previous budget projection of $1.2 billion, but a significant budget surplus nonetheless. So what should be done with your money? Last session, we approved...