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The 2023 legislative session concluded Monday, May 22, and Rep. Roger Skraba, R-Ely, said it will be remembered for victories for the Northland on several issues including a bonding bill that will provide funding for numerous local and regional projects as well as disappointments including nearly $10 billion in tax increases despite the state’s record-setting $17.5 billion budget surplus.
“Minnesotans are struggling under the weight of persistent, high inflation that is causing serious problems for family budgets,” said Skraba. “The state’s record setting budget surplus presented lawmakers with an incredible opportunity to provide historic tax relief to put more money back into the pockets of all Minnesotans. The budget that was approved this legislative session will do the opposite by raising taxes by nearly $10 billion. This is not what the majority of Minnesotans were asking for or expected the legislature to do this year.”
Skraba said the new two-year state budget will increase spending from $52 billion to $72 billion. Tax hikes include raising the state’s gas tax and tying it to inflation, increasing license tab fees, adding a new delivery tax, a new payroll tax that will hit employers and employees alike, and more.
“I will always put the priorities and needs of our communities first, no matter what,” said Skraba. “That’s why, despite my concerns with parts of the budget, I am nevertheless proud that we were able to set aside partisan differences on several other issues to deliver results for Minnesotans and the Northland. This includes an unemployment insurance extension for Northshore miners, funding to save rural nursing homes and hospitals, supporting our veterans, a bonding bill that included dozens of projects for the region, protecting the environment, and much more.”
Both legislative bodies approved a capital investment package to fund infrastructure projects around the state Monday, just hours before the 2023 session adjourned. Skraba was able to secure funding for several local projects including:
$3.633 million for classroom and common space renovations at Vermillion Community College in Ely.
$11 million for several infrastructure improvements at the Lake Vermilion Soudan Underground Mine State Park.
$4 million for the construction of the Gitchi Gami Trail.
$3.5 million for the construction of a safe harbor on Rainy Lake and Rainy River at the Gateway to Voyageurs National Park in Ranier.
$1.294 million for capital improvements to Voyageur Country, Prospector Loop, and Quad Cities ATV trail systems.
$1.5 million for construction and expansion of the Bigfork Community Center.
$1.75 million for capital improvements to the community recreation and wellness center in Hoyt Lakes.
$1 million for expansion at the International Falls Regional Health and Wellness Center.
$385,000 to construct an exhibit at St. Louis County mining exhibit.
$2 million for improvements to clean water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and utilities in Babbitt.
Skraba encourages local residents to continue reaching out to his office if they need assistance in a matter related to state government. He can be reached at 651-296-2190 or rep.roger. skraba@house.mn.gov.
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