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State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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NORTON BILL SIGNED BY GOVERNOR WOULD STUDY SMALL BUSINESS IN MN, WI
ST. PAUL, MN – Another key component of the bipartisan Small Business Caucus’ legislative agenda was signed into law by Governor Tim Pawlenty yesterday. The bill (HF2849), authored by Small Business Caucus member state Rep. Kim Norton (DFL – Rochester), will require a comparative study of the small business startup process between Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Norton says the study will help inform the legislature’s efforts to make Minnesota an even more competitive place to do business.
“We hear anecdotally that Wisconsin or another state does this better, or Minnesota does that better," said Rep. Norton. “But this study will help articulate the facts, and finally give small businesses and legislators a clear understanding of what we do well, and what Minnesota could do better. It will help us address these issues next session.”
“Our state has always been an economic powerhouse – a place where entrepreneurial opportunity meets the education, creativity, and drive of hard working Minnesotans to create jobs and promote business growth,” Norton said. “We need to maintain that edge, and do what is necessary to streamline and improve the regulations that help and harm businesses in our state. That’s what this study will help us do.”
State Rep. Denise Dittrich (DFL – Champlin), who co-chairs the bipartisan Small Business Caucus said this is just one more example of critical progress the group has made this session.
“The progress we have made this session is tangible proof that when lawmakers work together, we can achieve great things for our state,” said Rep. Dittrich. “The Small Business Caucus has given a voice to small businesses, and brought new life to revitalizing Minnesota’s business community.”
Seven of the eight bills crafted by the Small Business Caucus were signed into law this session, including:
1. Enhanced Research and Development Credit – HF2318 Rosenthal
2. Expanded Research and Development Credit – HF37 Mullery
3. Angel Investor Tax Credit – HF2750 Davnie
4. Comparative Study of State Regulations – HF2849 Norton
5. Permitting Efficiency and Goal Report – HF3079 Hortman
6. Minnesota Entrepreneur Resource Virtual Network (MERVN) Authorization – HF2839 Bunn
7. Study of Preference for State Funds Deposited in Community Financial Institutions –HF3205 Mahoney
The Small Business Caucus is comprised of more than 30 Democrats and Republicans in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
News Items
- Rep. Norton Selected as Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-14 00:00:00)
- It’s Time for Legislature to Get Back to Basics, Balance the Budget Honestly - (Posted: 2012-12-11 00:00:00)
- Second Saturday Coffee Meeting Date Changed to December 9 - (Posted: 2012-12-03 00:00:00)
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