I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed holiday season !
This first week at the capitol has been quite busy. I wanted to
share a few items with you and bring you up-to-date.
But, first I must thank you for giving me the privilege to serve our
fine district. It is an honor to do so. Please keep me, and my family
in your thoughts and prayers. I too, keep you in my prayers.
1. Committee Assignments.
I have been assigned to serve on the following committees,
Civil Law, Public Safety and Transportation Policy. Public
Safety and Transportation fit in very well with my work experience.
My conservative roots should serve us well on the Civil Law Committee.
So far, we have not had any bills come to these committees, however
it looks like it is going to get quite busy, very soon. We have been reviewing
the roles and costs of many state agencies. Did you know that the Met Council
is unelected, is appointed by the governor, has a budget of over $700 million and
also gets to decide where our ALL of our federal highway dollars are spent?
I questioned them on this in committee. As you know, I am no fan of big government.
2. Some of the bills I am involved with include:
- Dedication of a local highway to the memory of Officer Decker
- Allow Hmong military veterans, who fought for the U.S., to be buried in veterans cemeteries.
- A permanent solution to school shift spending
- Privacy protection from unwarranted drone use
- Home baking enterprises
- Tax problems for one district city
- Religious school credits
- These are a few........
I spend a large part of my time helping constituents with individual issues.
Due to privacy reasons, I cannot disclose what the details are. Suffice to say
there are many, and the primary problem is trying to help people solve
issues with a government that has become too big and too intrusive.
I really enjoy helping people.
4. District Work:
I spend most of my evenings in our district: local government meetings, school board meetings, social events and county meetings. If there is a meeting in your home town that you would like me to attend, then please let me know. I am trying to squeeze in as many as possible before April. Our schedules will become very tight in April and May due to legislative deadlines. It will be tougher to make local meetings during these months.
5. The Governor's budget:
Many of you know that Governor Dayton will be releasing his budget next tuesday. There has been very little information about it. We expect more taxes and spending. As you know, I will oppose spending and tax increases. I will send out an update after the budget is released. Minnesota needs responsible solutions to our economic problems.
6. Special Issues:
- I have received many calls and emails from folks concerned about their gun rights and about possible changes that could occur in Minnesota law this year. Please note, I support the 2nd Amendment and will do everything I can to protect our right to keep and bear arms. I am a gun owner and am endorsed by the NRA. I am on the Public Safety Committee and will be able to have an active role in this struggle.
- Same sex marriage. This too may come up. As you all know, I support traditional families and traditional marriages. I am on the Civil Law Committee and will be able to have an active role in this struggle, too.
- The Minnesota Health Care Exchange. HF 5 has been drafted and has entered the committee process. This law would usher in "Obama Care" to our state. I have studied HF 5 and I will oppose it. The passage of HF 5 into law would become one of the biggest "power grabs" in Minnesota history. I support a truly free and open market for insurance providers and buyers.
Well, that's all for now.
Thank you so much, feel free to contact me if you have
any comments, concerns or questions.
God's peace,
Jim Newberger
State Representative
District 15B
311 State Office Building
(651) 296-4272
763 482 9486 Cell
rep.jim.newberger@house.mn
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