Dear Neighbors,
Our hockey team just keeps rolling! They topped Maple Grove last night and are playing in the semis tonight. Great job, guys! I’m especially thankful because I won my friendly wager with Rep. Dennis Smith, my colleague who represents Maple Grove. Now he has to wear some Grand Rapids gear at the Capitol!
Our local Grand Rapids girls basketball won their section title in overtime! We’re so proud of our area sports teams, and the success they’re having this season. Keep it up, girls!
Committee Deadlines
Our first deadline for committee hearings was today. That means we’ve been hearing countless bills in committee, and I was fortunate to present three of my bills throughout the week. My IRRRB reform had another hearing this week, this time in the Job Growth and Energy Affordability Committee. We’re still working on this bill, and I would love your input.
I also presented my bill in the Property Taxes Committee to help small businesses around the state. The legislation would exempt Greater Minnesota business expansion from the state general levy when a business grows. This levy hurts our main-street businesses, and I hope we can help to ease this burden.
Just yesterday I had a hearing to improve competitive rail service in our region. Thanks to Grand Rapids city administrator, Tom Pagel, for helping present the bill!
State Budget
With our deadlines approaching, it’s time to start putting together our omnibus bills and setting the state budget. This usually means smaller bills coming together to form larger bills in specific subject areas like taxes, health and human services, education, and transportation. I’ll keep you updated as the House puts forward our plan, and hope you’ll stay in contact through that process.
Area Visitors
I had lots of informative meetings this week with folks from our area. Jim Christmas and Connie Ross with North Homes in Grand Rapids stopped in.
I also had the pleasure of sitting down with residents of Grand Rapids and Cohasset as part of Catholic Day at the Capitol.
Thanks to everyone who visited my office this week! I love hearing from you, and hope to see more of you in the near future.
Please Contact Me
As always, please email or call me if you need anything. I’m learning so much as I hear your opinions and expertise on a number of issues.
Have a great weekend, and go Thunderhawks!
Sandy