Greetings Northlanders,
This week has been filled with floor sessions as we debate and vote on omnibus finance legislation and the tax conformity bill. We still have a few things left to pass, along with a robust jobs and infrastructure bill. Here are the latest updates from the Capitol:
Tax Conformity
On Monday, the House passed the tax conformity bill, modifying our state tax code after changes were made to the federal code last year. This will provide tax cuts for Minnesota families and small businesses while also keeping the filing process as simple as possible next year.
I was able to get the tax bill amended to allow cities and townships to contribute from their general funds to their local historical society. Previously, they’d only been able to contribute to their county historical society. This measure was supported by the Township Associations and by the Minnesota Historical Society.
Small Business Week
Governor Dayton proclaimed Tuesday “Small Helps All Day.” This week marks National Small Business Week. The United States has celebrated Small Business Week since 1963, appreciating the contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Minnesota has more than 503,000 small businesses, which employ approximately 47 percent of Minnesota’s workforce.
To learn more about the tools and resources available to entrepreneurs interested in starting a business in Minnesota, click here.
Lyme Disease Awareness Month
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, which coincides with turkey hunting season. Local and national groups are launching campaigns to raise awareness about tick borne diseases, especially Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected deer or bear tick.
The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to take a few precautions. Check for ticks after spending time in woody and brushy areas and remove them immediately. There are two effective repellants: permethrin, which you can spray on clothing, and DEET, which you can apply to your skin.
For more on Lyme disease prevention check out the Minnesota Department of Health and more about Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
Visits
I had the opportunity to visit with Greg Gailen, a constituent from Grand Marais, while he was here for Clean Water Day on the Hill on Wednesday.
If you have any ideas or input on legislative matters, please feel free to reach out to me at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Rob Ecklund
State Representative