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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Matt Bliss (R)

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Legislative update

Friday, January 13, 2017

Dear Neighbor,

My goal as a new House member is to bring some common-sense, private-sector perspective to the table. In less than two weeks, it already is clear to me how much an infusion of this approach is needed at the Capitol.

For example, take our state’s permitting process that was discussed during an Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee meeting this week. As a small-business guy, it baffled me to hear agency workers declare victory for most of the time meeting the minimum requirement for turnaround time on permits. There was no mention from them about wanting to raise the performance bar or to increase efficiency.

The bottom line is there are plenty of ways our state can deliver more for less and provide better customer service. We cannot settle for “good enough.” Regulatory/permitting reform is something I will be looking closely at as the session unfolds and am interested in finding ways we can maximize the impact of taxpayers’ dollars.

Tax relief

In other news, the $21.7 million in tax relief the House passed last week is now in the hands of the governor, set for his anticipated enactment today. This is good news since the bill brings the state tax code into compliance with federal provisions so Minnesotans can benefit this tax season. Look for more proposals for tax relief to follow.

Protecting property owners

Also, a House bill introduced this week is geared toward protecting a sizeable number of Minnesota landowners who are concerned over expanded MnDOT permitting governing roadside ditches.

Officially, the bill would prohibits road authorities from regulating when ditches may or may not be mowed and also prevents requiring permits to be obtained for mowing. This proposal is a result of MnDOT recently changing its statewide permitting standards for mowing and baling in the right of way.

The MnDOT change adds unnecessary burden on property owners and is frustrating people in Greater Minnesota. They see it as bureaucrats in St. Paul once again thinking they know better instead of letting people continue land-management practices that have been working.

To get back to the subject of permitting, the MnDOT changes bring new forms to fill out, dates to recognize and regulations to follow for mowing ditches. You would think MnDOT’s plate is full enough without the agency looking to take on something that common sense says is well enough left alone.

Broadband grant

On a final note, this week we received word from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development that TDS Telecom in Cass and Crow Wing counties is receiving a $3 million grant to expand broadband access.

According to a press release from DEED, the grant will benefit 3,459 unserved households, 62 unserved businesses and four community anchor institutions in Cass and Crow Wing. This includes Backus, Hackensack, Ideal Corners, Pequot Lakes, Pine River and Woman Lake. TDS Telecom (dba Arvig Telephone Co.) will provide improved services for 142 small enterprises that do not have access to high-speed internet. The total eligible project cost is $6 million, with a $3 million local match.

The benefits will be significant for families, students and businesses throughout our area. Hats off to the people who make this successful grant application.

Sincerely,

Matt

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