Dear Neighbor,
It has been nice seeing so many folks out attending summertime festivities throughout District 8A. This week both the East and West Otter Tail county fairs are taking place and I hope you are able to attend. Hats off to all the local people who work so hard to make these fairs a success.
As for legislative news, I have fielded a number of questions from people wondering if a special session will happen this summer to pass bills pertaining to bonding and tax relief. The House passed both bills during the regular session last May, but both stalled before enactment. The Senate altered the bonding bill just as adjournment was arriving, spelling doom for that package. Then the governor vetoed the tax relief (which had 90 percent support from the Legislature in passing) due to a one-word mistake that may have been correctable without striking down the entire proposal that would provide more than $800 million in tax relief for working families, college graduates, veterans, farmers and small businesses.
On a somewhat related note, I want to point out other important provisions for tax relief did reach the finish line and were enacted this year via other bills. For example, the historic tax cut for Minnesota veterans was enacted. Military pension retirement benefits will be exempted from Minnesota state income tax.
Stay tuned on the potential special session. Indications point to one taking place the second half of August if the details are ironed out but, as of now, no official announcement has been made.
There has been a lot in the news regarding law enforcement over the last few weeks and it seemed to me this would be a good time to send a letter to our area agencies to express support. The letter I sent them expressed respect and gratitude for the sacrifices they make and the great job they do in keeping us safe. I asked them to please not let the actions and words of a few overshadow the fact the overwhelming majority in our communities stand behind them 100 percent.
On a final note, Campaign Finance Board rules forbid legislators from sending email updates once we are 60 days removed from the regular legislative session until after the November election. That 60-day mark arrives at the end of this week, so there will be a break in emails until the fall. That said, I remain your state Rep. and will continue working for the people of District 8A. Feel free to contact me at (651) 296-4946 or email Rep.Bud.Nornes@House.MN if you have thoughts, questions or are looking for assistance.
It is my sincere privilege to continue representing this area and hope you enjoy the rest of our summer.
Sincerely,
Bud