State's projected budget surplus shrinks
This morning, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released its February budget forecast, projecting $900 million for the FY 2016-17 biennium, a reduction from the $1.2 billion forecasted last December. The MMB press release describes the budget outlook as stable, but with slower growth for the state. Read the forecast documents.
Legislative Kickoff Breakfast
On Wednesday, February 24, over 300 University of Minnesota students, faculty, alumni, staff, and supporters attended the Legislative Kickoff Breakfast at McNamara Alumni Center. The purpose of the event was to show how simply sharing your U of M story with legislators can have a dramatic impact on the legislative process.
After breakfast and some mingling, attendees heard President Kaler's story about his days as a graduate student. Then, Minnesota Student Association president Joelle Stangler talked about how the academic rigor at the University is preparing her to face a world of new challenges. Medical School associate dean Dimple Patel told her story about the importance of having top-notch facilities to attract the doctors of the future. Alumni Association board member Sandy Weise talked about the important role of the University in the state's economy.
Attendees wrote postcards to their elected officials, signed up for the Legislative Action Network, and shared their stories on social media. The event's hashtags, #umnproud and #Driven4MN, were trending on Twitter!
Special elections
On February 9, Chad Anderson (R-Bloomington) and Jim Abeler (R-Anoka) won special elections to the Minnesota Legislature. Anderson was elected to the House representing District 50B, vacated by Ann Lenczewski in 2015. Abeler, a former state representative, was elected to the Senate representing District 35, vacated by Branden Petersen in 2015. Anderson and Abeler were both sworn into office this month.
Retirements
The following members of the Minnesota Legislature have recently announced that they will not seek re-election in 2016:
- Mark Anderson (R - Lakeshore)
- Joe Atkins (DFL - Inver Grove Heights)
- Tim Kelly (R - Red Wing)
- James Metzen (DFL - South St. Paul)
- Tim Sanders (R - Blaine)
- Katie Sieben (DFL - Newport)
- LeRoy Stumpf (DFL - Plummer)
They join 10 additional legislators who have announced they will not seek re-election in 2016. A complete list of retirees can be found on the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library's website.