With a budget surplus new taxes should be off the table

Welcome Spring! Terry and I were able to spend time with our sons, daughter-in-law and our granddaughter last weekend. It’s always a joy to be with family. We even took a spring walk around Cascade Lake Park and Trail.
I’m now back in Saint Paul as we dive into the second half of the Legislative Session. Budget bills are making their way through committee and onto the floor over the next five weeks. Please continue to share your priorities with me, and let me know what you would like your State Government to accomplish or stop this session.
Proposed Tax Hikes
Minnesota has a $17.5B surplus, yet we are seeing the Majority propose tax increases tucked away in many budget bills. I am concerned by the $3.96 Billion increase in taxes and fees in the transportation budget bill alone.
A minor spot of good news: We were able to pair the Transportation tax hikes down to $2.6B in committee today. Yes, a step in the right direction but the fact remains, we have a surplus. Tax hikes should not be needed. We must be good stewards of taxpayer dollars instead of just sending Minnesotans a higher tax every time tax season rolls around.
Other tax hikes remain in the Transportation Omnibus Bill. They are regressive taxes which have a greater impact on lower income households.
Newly proposed Taxes and Fees:
Motor vehicle tab fee increase: $242M (2024-2025) and $546M (2026-2027)
Motor vehicle sales tax increase: $105M (2024-2025) and $122M (2026-2027)
I repeat: With a $17.5B Surplus, tax hikes should be totally off the table!
Byron Middle School STEM Project
Byron Middle School’s STEM program has been brought into the State Spotlight as they won the State Competition for Samsung’s “Solve for Tomorrow challenge.” Students were asked to consider how science, technology, engineering, and math can be used to create change in their communities.
Byron students identified a problem and created an elegant solution. Students raised funds, planned, designed and built the Cubby. They also designed and wrote the code for the web site and wired each door to be accessed with a private remote code and more. Byron students can now privately access the food, personal items, clothes, and other necessities.
Congratulations to the students who have participated in the Solve for Tomorrow project! I wish them good luck as they go on to compete in the National competition. They have the opportunity to win $100,000 in prizes consisting of Samsung tech and classroom supplies. Winners will be announced on April 19th!
MNDOT Construction Projects
I was glad to support the many infrastructure projects happening throughout the state of Minnesota during construction season. During the 2021 Legislative Session I supported the funding of the projects MNDOT just recently announced.
A few of these projects are taking place in District 24:
Safety Improvements in the Hwy 14 Corridor
Resurfacing hwy 14 from Dodge Center to Byron
Hwy 57 Reconstruction in Kasson and Mantorville
Hwy 57 Roundabout in Kasson
I am aggressively pushing for funding that would support the construction of an interchange at County State Aid Hwy 44 and Trunk Hwy 14 and the associated flyover structure at 7th Street NW that will address three main goals: safety, mobility, and capacity/growth.
I’m pushing for this funding to come from three funding sources: General Obligation bonds, General Fund dollars through the Transportation Committee, as well as Federal RAISE grant funds. Stay tuned as I have a hearing on this funding next week!
Carla Nelson represents District 24 in the Minnesota State Senate. District 24 which includes all of Dodge County and part of Olmsted County.