Opposition to $90 million Senate Office Building ramps up

Dear Neighbors,

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In this edition:

1) Opposition to $90 million Senate Office Building ramps up

2) 5% wage increase for caregivers pushed to back burner

3) Transportation bill sees modest changes

4) Visitors

1) Opposition to $90 million Senate Office Building ramps up

This week I joined several of my Republican colleagues at a press conference calling to halt the process of a proposed $90 million Senate office complex.

The $90 million complex will include a three-story glass façade, reflecting pool, gymnasium and parking ramp. It will have offices for 44 senators, although there are 67 senators in total.

If you recall a previous update, the complex was buried in the final, 400-page Tax bill last year without being vetted by the public or Legislature. (I voted NO on the bill.) Its inclusion – and price tag – has drawn justifiable outrage from the public.  

The new building would increase the office space for the Governor by 62%, for the Senate by 38%, and for the House by 15%. None need the additional space. (Some believe we should cut the size of the House and Senate and reduce, rather than increase, the amount of space we need.) 

In short, we explained how the new building is:

·       Unneeded: We currently have adequate space to house legislators.

·       Unpaid for: The final bill didn’t include an adequate funding mechanism to pay for the complex, which will rely on a rent to own financing plan.

·       (possibly) Unconstitutional: Since this is a construction project that was included in a Tax bill (rather than a Capital Investment/Bonding bill, for example), it may in fact be unconstitutional.

Projects like these are what make folks distrust government, and we need to do what we can to ensure Minnesotans have faith in their elected leadership. We can, and must, do better.

2) 5% wage increase for caregivers pushed to back burner

For years, caregivers who take care of our state’s elderly and physically and mentally challenged citizens have been passed over for much-needed pay increases. As a result, many qualified workers have left the field or are forced to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.

The “5% Campaign” was launched to increase wages by 5-percent for caregivers at home and community based services and intermediate care facilities. Both Democrats and Republicans support the campaign.

However, of late, the “5% Campaign” has now been slowed down as the Democrat majorities in the House and Senate debate internally over other spending demands. At a time when they are proposing a $90 million Senate office complex and are operating the largest spending budget in state history, not fully funding wage increases to 5-percent would certainly be a case of misplaced priorities.

3) Transportation bill sees modest changes

After last week’s proposal to increase annual taxes by $750 million to pay for transit projects, House leaders introduced a more modest bill that would spend $50 million in General Funds and $50 million in Trunk Highway Funds. 

I think we can all agree our roads and bridges could use some critical upgrades and expansion work. These state-funded projects are so important they are included in the State Constitution. Unfortunately, this bill is very light on actual road and bridge work, and it includes some questionable spending items, including:

·       $15 million to the Met Council, largely for bus rapid transit

·       Tens of thousands of dollars for free statewide transit on Election Day

The bill also adds more regulations and assessments on private industry, railroads, and pipelines at a time when we should be encouraging greater build-out of these systems to transport energy and heating sources to Minnesotans who need them.

One questionable policy provision would require railroads to light their rail yards with “Made in Minnesota” solar panels, despite objections from neighbors, railroad companies, and surrounding communities. This proposal needs much more work to gain my support.

4) Visitors

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my office this week!

·       John Griffith, MnDOT west metro area manager

·       AFSCME constituents

·       Richard Barnier, Rogers resident and student body president at North Hennepin Community College

·       Kyle Tonn, Maple Grove, area teacher

·       Elk River School District legislative delegation

·       Laura Padhye, Maple Grove, Pediatrician Day at the Capitol

·       District arts advocates

·       Dale Fuller and Joe Kuchinka, insurance professionals from Rogers

If you’re ever at the State Capitol, please do not hesitate to contact my office to set up a meeting. I can be reached at rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn or 651-296-7806. I’m here to serve you!

Have a great weekend,

Joyce

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