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State Representative John Ward
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4333
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E-Update
Legislative Update -- April 5, 2012
Dear Neighbors,
As the legislature approaches its Easter/Passover break, I’ve got some good news to report. The City of Brainerd was recently awarded a grant of $100,000 from the Minnesota Investment Fund program (MIF). This money will be loaned to BTD Wood Powder Coating, Inc. to support their expansion. As a result of this, seven jobs will be created in the next two years.
The Minnesota Investment Fund is a program that helps Minnesota stay competitive by closing financing gaps faced by businesses looking to expand or locate in Minnesota, while investing in community development. Businesses that qualify for this program must have at least 50 percent of its total projected costs financed privately and most importantly, these businesses expansions must be able to create jobs.
This is great news for our communities. Our area is still dealing with high unemployment and every job counts. Every job, public sector or private sector, counts. I want to extend my congratulations and thanks to all who made this possible.
According to unemployment data from February, the unemployment rate in Brainerd is 14.4 percent and the rate in Crow Wing County is at 9.7 percent.
MIF grants are awarded to local units of government, which then provide the necessary loans in order to assist business expansion. Additionally, the taxes paid by these companies assisted by MIF and the new employees they bring into the workforce, more than offset MIF costs, especially when many expansions would not have taken place in Minnesota had it not been for MIF. This means that public funds are being used wisely, and each dollar is being stretched further.
MIF is a proven strategy, already producing real results in our community and around the state. With an economy that is still trying to recover, we need to focus on proven methods that will put people back to work, help our businesses, and position Minnesota for long-term success.
The budget agreement of last session provided $3 million to be used for MIF. Since then, $1.3 million of that has been awarded, resulting in 218 new jobs. Governor Dayton and Democrats in the House and Senate have proposed an additional $10 million for the program in their Jobs Plan. Republicans agreed to hear the bill in committee, but have refused to work together on passing meaningful job creation legislation.
The clock is ticking. We still have time to work together and get the job done on behalf of the people of Minnesota. Growing jobs and strengthening our economy should be our top priorities — not constitutional amendments and tax breaks for big corporations. It’s time to get to work on proven strategies like the Minnesota Investment Fund and keep Minnesota’s economic recovery on track.
Mississippi River Northwoods Project
I’ve mentioned the Mississippi River Northwoods Project in my last couple updates. This project is an attempt to purchase 22 miles of land on the Mississippi River for multi-recreational use and conservation for future generations. The project costs $14 million and has strong bipartisan support from Governor Dayton, the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, and folks in our area as well.
On Wednesday, the House voted to pass the Omnibus Legacy Amendment Funding bill. The bill contained half the necessary funding. I spoke on the House floor emphasizing the need for the full amount of funding. As the bill goes to conference committee, I will continue to fight for the full funding for this project.
Game and Fish Bill Amendments
On Tuesday, the House passed the Game and Fish bill. I offered two amendments on the House floor. The first would increase penalties on offenders who break Minnesota’s Aquatic Invasive Species law. This is another opportunity for us to fight to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species which has become an epidemic that is attacking our beautiful waterways. While the amendment was not adopted, I will continue to push for and propose legislation to improve our chances at tackling this challenge.
The second amendment would restrict the use of “body-grip" traps in Minnesota. Body grip traps are designed to catch animals like raccoons and bobcats, and are legal on almost all public land in the state. The traps are usually baited with meat, and when an animal attempts to reach the bait, the trap springs. The device is designed to kill quickly, breaking the animal’s neck or windpipe.
In recent months, however, body grip traps have been responsible for the deaths of at least six dogs in the state, with many more deaths likely going unreported.
My amendment would have required body grip traps to be set at least four feet above the ground or completely submerged underwater. The goal is to allow for the traps to continue be used to catch so-called “nuisance” animals, but to protect hunting dogs and pets from accidental capture and death. Twenty-five other states already have similar requirements.
This amendment was offered as a compromise. Neither dog owners, nor trappers liked every part of it, but it was a compromise. We should be making a greater effort to ensure that public land is safe for all uses. This compromise was based on evidence and research of what has worked in other states and what hasn’t. The current law is neither effective, nor proven. The amendment was not adopted, but I’ll continue working to find a compromise solution.
I hope you all have a happy and holy Easter and Passover. I look forward to seeing folks while I’m in the district over the next week. As the legislative session moves along, please contact me with your input, questions and concerns. Thank you again for the honor of serving you in the legislature.
Respectfully,
Representative John Ward
District 12A
828-3626
News Items
- Local Projects Among $18 million in Small Cities Development Grants - (Posted: Jun 12 2013 9:46AM)
- Rep. Ward Encourages Non-Profits to Apply for MNsure Consumer Assistance Grants - (Posted: Jun 3 2013 1:39PM)
- Rep. Ward Appointed to Serve on Select Committee on Controlled Substances and Synthetic Drugs - (Posted: May 30 2013 9:58AM)
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