ST.PAUL, Minn. – The majority Republicans in Minnesota Senate want to clip the governor’s emergency powers. Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake, said the authority to close schools should belong to local school boards – not the governor. Other emergency powers would also be denied the governor. The GOP position was listed among the party’s priorities for the new legislative session. Other provisions:
> Business reopening. Businesses with CoVid safety plans would be allowed t reopen.
> Colleges. Scholarships for low-income students.
> Housing. Make buying a house more affordable.
> Pandemic costs. Avoid tax increases to help with financial woes caused by the pandemic.
> Clear air. Block clean emissions standards for cars.
>Agency budgets. Cut 5% from the budget of each state agency.
> Surplus. Balance the state budget, now with a $1.3 billion deficit, mostly caused by the CoVid crisis, in the next two-year budget cycle.
> Taxes. No income tax, gas tax or sales tax increases.
About finances, Gazelka said that the state has federal relief funds coming. “Also,” he said, “we know that our state agencies can be more efficient.”
Earlier: Walz to solons: Let’s make our lives easier
Earlier: On Minnesota Democrat agenda: Wages