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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Mike Sundin (DFL)

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Legislative Update - October 5, 2017

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Dear Neighbors,

After a busy summer, fall is in full swing! If you have been fortunate enough to spend time outside and away from your television this summer, I imagine you are catching up on some news. Here are a few updates:

Visiting Little B’s Early Childhood Learning Center

In mid-September, I got a chance to see the good work that Minnesota’s investments in early childhood education are doing, during a stop in Barnum. I also got to hear what was important to some of my littlest constituents. It was good to learn more from the adults at Little B’s too, and I appreciate their invitation to see their work in person.

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Tax Credit for Military Service in Combat Zone in 2013

The ‘Credit for Military Service in Combat Zone for service in 2013’ credit is a special tax credit that will expire for most qualifying service members on October 16, 2017. The Minnesota Department of Revenue has been working to remind Minnesota service members to take advantage of the refundable tax credit before it expires. The 2013 credit is worth $120 per month, or partial month served. If you have a family member or know of someone who might qualify for this tax credit, I encourage you reach out to them and share this information. Applications must be postmarked by October 16, 2017. For more information on the military tax credit and to fill out the form, visit the Department of Revenue website at www.revenue.state.mn.us.

Jay Cooke State Park Hwy 210 Open Again

Highway 210 is now open to the public through the entire park from Carlton to Highway 23. Take it slow and watch for traffic. A lot of sightseers out checking the repair work and enjoying the road after 5 years of being closed. Find more info here.

Important Local Bonding Investments

Recently, I joined a bipartisan group of members who serve on the House Capital Investment Committee to see some local projects that could potentially be included in next year’s bonding bill. They got an inside look at several projects including the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District, Moose Lake Corrections, and I joined them to get a look at the Riverside Center in Moose Lake. I’m also working with local officials to complete the Carlton water line extension for the western end of that community, and the bonding bill will likely be an important part of finishing that project.

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Sappi Paper Mill Award

I was proud to recently join folks at Sappi as they received the Governor’s Foreign Direct Investment award for their investment in the state of Minnesota from the Minnesota Office of Foreign Direct Investment. The award highlights the company’s contributions to the economic vitality of local communities, and its commitment to keeping Minnesota a world-leading business destination. The Cloquet Mill underwent a $170 million capital investment in 2011 to convert the kraft pulp operations to also produce chemical cellulose used in textile and consumer goods markets. Through this product diversification, along with investments in renewable energy and waste reduction, the mill has stayed profitable and competitive in a challenging market.

High School Page Program

For decades, the Minnesota House has welcomed High School Juniors from around the state to participate in the High School Page Program. This nonpartisan educational experience provides participants with hands-on access to our state government in action. Many students from our region will tell you this has been an excellent experience for them to understand state government at a deeper level, including two pages from this year – Carter Northey and Marais Houser.

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You can access the application online at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/edprog/app.pdf or you can call Assistant House Sergeant-at-Arms Andrew Olson for more information at (651) 296-7452 or (651) 296-4860, or email him at Andrew.Olson@house.mn. Applications are due December 1st.

It is a great honor to go to St. Paul to represent you and our communities, and you can always contact me if you have questions or concerns at 651-296-4308 or 800-788-1329 or Rep.Mike.Sundin@house.mn .

Sincerely,

Mike Sundin

State Representative