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State Representative Kathy Brynaert
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-3248
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E-Update
2012 SESSION UPDATE
Dear Friends,
Below is an update on recent activities at the State Capitol.
Bonding bill
The statewide bonding bill passed the Minnesota House of Representatives on a bipartisan vote of 99-32 this week. I voted for the bill because it invests $496 million into Minnesota’s aging infrastructure and creates thousands of construction and long-term private sector jobs.
All legislative session, I have advocated for a robust and comprehensive bonding bill to address the infrastructure needs of South Central Minnesota and across the state. Several area projects were funded in the bill including: design for the St Peter Regional Treatment Center and the Clinical Sciences building at Minnesota State Mankato and funding for Mankato’s transit hub. These are significant commitments to our communities and region and I was pleased they were contained in the final bonding package.
Unfortunately, a major hole remains. Area legislators, the city of Mankato, Mankato State University and local business leaders have working for years to secure state bonding for the MSU Arena improvements and Mankato Event Center expansion. Over the past decade the state has supported event and convention centers in every major metropolitan area (Minneapolis, St Paul, Duluth, Rochester and St Cloud) and some not so major (Bemidji). Yet, the Greater Mankato area has not received any state support for its regional event center.
The discussion on bonding for regional centers and the role of regional economies in the economic health of the entire state is an ongoing issue. And we will continue to engage it.
The People’s Stadium
This week, I also voted for a new stadium because, like the bonding bill, it will spur the economy by creating thousands of jobs now and into the future. The bill passed the House on a vote of 73 to 58.
Under the initial proposal, $975 million funds a fixed-roof stadium on the current Metrodome site. If construction begins in 2013, the new 65,000 seat stadium would open in time for the 2016 NFL season. The state contributes $398 million; Minneapolis contributes $150 million; and the Viking’s share is $427 million. The state portion will be paid by allowing charitable gambling organizations to offer electronic pull-tabs and electronic bingo. It would not use current general fund dollars or Legacy amendment money.
Building a People’s stadium would give a tremendous boost to the construction trades, which have been hit extremely hard by the recession. A 2009 study by the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission reported that a new Vikings stadium would create about 13,400 jobs and have an estimated economic impact of $1.35 billion. Of the 13,400 new jobs created about 8,000 would go to trades people during the building process.
Further, a new stadium will support several thousand jobs after construction is complete and the stadium is up and running. In addition to the jobs directly related to the stadium there is spin off for many areas of our state and local economies. Angie’s Kettle Corn in North Mankato is just one example.
After a nearly 11 hour debate, the Senate passed the stadium bill on a vote of 38-28. It is now in a Conference Committee where differences will be resolved. Once there is an agreement, the bill will go back to each body for final passage.
Tax Bill
Last week, Governor Dayton vetoed the Omnibus tax bill. One major item in the bill would have eliminated inflation increases in the statewide property tax on businesses. This would have cost the state $82 million over the next three years and added another $145 million to the projected deficit for the next biennium.
I am hoping that consensus items, like the Research and Development Credit and the Angel Investment Credit, can be revived in a scaled back tax bill. Additionally, I would gladly support a balanced approach to property tax relief that brings back the Homestead Credit to lower property taxes on homeowners, small businesses, renters and farmers alike.
It is an honor to serve you in the House of Representatives. Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments.
Respectfully,
Kathy Brynaert
State Representative
News Items
- 2013 Session Update: May 10 - (Posted: May 10 2013 4:36PM)
- 2013 Session Update: Omnibus E-12, Higher Education and Tax Proposals - (Posted: Apr 26 2013 4:42PM)
- HOUSE BONDING BILL MAKES CRITICAL INVESTMENTS IN MANKATO - (Posted: Apr 9 2013 6:06PM)
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