Rep. Slocum Applauds Gov. Dayton For Veto Decision

Editor's note: Capitol Review is a weekly look at what your state legislators are doing at the Minnesota Capitol—how they're voting, the bills they're writing and the issues they're getting behind. Come back to Northfield Patch every Monday for a new Capitol Review.

Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed HF 130, or the Republican Phase 1 budget proposal Feb. 10. The proposal included cuts for millions of dollars of local government aid (LGA), higher education, services, child care and more, according to a press release from State (D-Richfield).

The following statement was issued by Slocum after the governor's veto:

“I applaud Gov. Dayton’s veto of HF 130. This bill was recklessly rushed through the legislative process, with little thought toward its consequences, intended or otherwise," she said. "This bill dramatically cuts aid to our local governments, which will in turn drive up our property taxes by almost $400 million, hammering middle-class families and seniors on fixed incomes. This bill hurts vulnerable, young children in our state, cutting millions in Children and Community Service Grants. These grants help provide services to abused children in need of protection, and it’s an absolute travesty that we would take support away from them."

She went on to say, "This bill takes Minnesota in the wrong direction. We have some incredibly difficult challenges in dealing with our budget deficit, but to balance the budget on the backs of middle-class families, working-class families, seniors and the most vulnerable among us is simply unacceptable.”

Now, here's a look at the bills authored and co-authored by Richfield representatives last week:

House Minority Leader Paul Thissen (D-Minneapolis):

• Co-authored a bill that would extend moratorium on radiation therpy facilities construction. HF0383 was introduced on Feb. 7.

State Sen. Ken Kelash (D-Richfield):

• Authored a bill that would issue a grant for the Lindau Lane Corridor project to complete safety and street enhancements.