Dear Friends and Neighbors,
My 2016 Legislative Survey is now available to take online, giving me another opportunity to gather feedback from constituents about important issues being debated at the Capitol. Your opinions are valuable and guide me toward supporting legislation that best serves our community.
To take my survey, just go to this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Fenton2016
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! Also, don't forget to share my survey with your friends and family in District 53B!
Reforming and Streamlining County Government
Earlier this week, my legislation, House File 2820, was heard in the Government Operations Committee. The bill gives the Washington County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) economic development authority, allowing two areas of local government to streamline into one and share resources. This change was requested by the county, eliminates a local tax levy and renames the new entity the Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA).
The new Washington County CDA has bipartisan support, and will adhere to key guiding principles including that the private sector is the lead driver of our local economy and that business attraction and retention in our communities is essential.
Overall, this plan is a win-win for local taxpayers, for businesses in our community and for Washington County. I will keep you updated on this bill as it moves through the legislative process.
Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Bill
On Thursday, the House passed legislation that will help businesses in our community hire and grow without taking dollars out of the General Fund.
In addition to extending unemployment benefits for 26 weeks for unemployed steelworkers on the Iron Range, the bill also right-sizes our state's overfunded Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund which is currently carrying a near all-time high $1.5 billion. Our legislation credits approximately $258 million out of that trust fund to employers and reduces future payment obligations when the trust fund monetary threshold grows above the fully-funded standards set by the federal government.
This is a great bill for small businesses in Woodbury and across the state, and will help them keep more of their money to grow and hire employees.
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As always, if you have ideas about what you would like to see happen this session or need assistance on a matter of state government, I welcome you to contact me. Please don’t hesitate to call (651-296-1147), email (rep.kelly.fenton@house.mn) or stop by my office.
Sincerely,
Kelly
Don’t forget to “like” me on Facebook to learn more about what’s happening at the Capitol.