ST. PAUL – A supplemental budget bill prioritizing veterans and broadband expansion in rural Minnesota has been signed into law. State Representative Jason Rarick (R-Pine City) voted in favor of the plan.
“For residents in Pine and Kanabec counties, reliable broadband access is extremely critical,” Rarick said. “I’m pleased we’ve made another significant investment.”
Rarick said the new law includes a $35 million investment for broadband infrastructure—the largest amount in state history. When combined with federal funding, Minnesota is expected to see nearly $120 million in funding for broadband expansion in 2017 alone.
Also included is a historic tax cut for veterans, exempting all military retirement benefits from state taxes. This will mean more money in the pockets of the more than 18,000 retired veterans currently living in Minnesota.
“It was really nonsensical to tax the pensions of our veterans after they put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms,” Rarick said. “This change was long overdue, and I was happy to help approve it.”