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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Ben Lien (DFL)

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Legislative Update - September 2, 2015

Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Greetings form Moorhead,
 
As a follow up to talks regarding the declining walleye population at Lake Mille Lacs and a possible Special Session, nothing developed beyond the legislative working group meetings.  The group’s final meeting was on August 13 and, after a short discussion, decided that until Gov. Dayton put forward a specific proposal to address the issue there was no need to continue meeting.  The governor had stated that he wanted to call a Special Legislative Session in August and suggested possible solutions may include no-interest loans, tax relief and increased tourism dollars for the region to assist businesses negatively impacted by the low walleye population and decreased tourism.  However, no specific proposals were advanced by the governor or the legislative working group.  If no action is taken through the remainder of this year, I anticipate this issue will be addressed during the regular 2016 Legislative Session, which begins March 8, 2016.  I think the real solution to this issue needs to focus on the ecological reasons the walleye population has been declining.  Real economic relief for the Lake Mille Lacs region will ultimately come from a healthy walleye population that will invite tourism back to the lake.
 
I also want to alert folks to the Angel Investment Tax Credits that are still available for investors in Greater Minnesota.  The Legislature set aside $7.5 million in Angel Investment Tax credits for investors in Greater Minnesota and $3.7 million are still available.  If these dollars are not allocated to Greater Minnesota investors by October 1, the money will also become available to investors in the 7-county metro region.  For more information, including application instructions, please visit http://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/tax-credits/angel-tax-credit/.
 
 
Thank You for the Opportunity to Serve,
Ben