Greetings from the Capitol,
This week, I testified to two bi-partisan bills that I chief authored:
The first is House File 1550; this bill would allocate general fund money through a new formula to fund roads in greater Minnesota. Cities that have a population of 5,000 people or less and cities that have a population of 5,000 people or more would receive $25 million dollars for improvements to their streets; this is similar to a bill that passed in 2015 allocating $12.5 million for small city road improvements. The funding sources would be annual interest earnings, a portion of revenue from the sales tax on motor vehicle leases; and revenue from a rental tax imposed on short-term rentals and leases.
The second bill, House File 1720, would modify the property tax exemption for agricultural containment facilities, so communities that have these facilities would then not see the tax shift that was created by a ruling from the Department of Revenue in 2015. This bill would help the residents and businesses in our communities.
Senator Westrom and I met with constituents this week for Catholics at the Capitol; we had great discussions about current legislative issues!
On Tuesday I had the pleasure of visiting with the "Leadership Stevens County" group at the Capitol. We talked about several topics pertaining to the region.
U.S. Bank Stadium Suites:
On Monday, the House passed legislation aimed at increasing oversight and accountability of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) following the recent news and a report by the Legislative Auditor that taxpayer funded suite seats were being given away to MSFA board members’ families. The bill (House File 778) reforms the structure of the board and limits the use of these suites at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Controversy continues as it was reported on Sunday in the Star Tribune that former MSFA Chair: Michele Kelm-Helgen skipped to the front of the line to buy seat licenses and season tickets for the Vikings. As I have stated previously, this sort of blatant unethical behavior by the MSFA needs to come to an end. I am hopeful for swift action by the Senate and for the Governor’s signature on the bill.
Essay Contest:
Students, kindergarten through 12th grade, are encouraged to submit essays explaining how the State Capitol has shaped our collective past and how it will impact future generations. Contest winners will be invited to share their submissions during an August 12th program as part of festivities marking the completion of an extensive refurbishment of our 112-year old Capitol. Winners in each category also will receive a $1,000 college savings plan.
Essay participants can select from one of following topics:
- My Minnesota Capitol. Your Minnesota Capitol. Everybody’s Capitol. Everyone who works or visits the Capitol uses and views it in different ways. What does the Capitol building mean to you? What do you think it represents for Minnesotans from different backgrounds, and why is it important to remember that the Capitol building is designed for every Minnesotan?
- A Place to Remember History and for History in the Making. Many historical and symbolic moments have occurred at the State Capitol, and it will be the site of more history-making events in years to come. What is one of the most important events that occurred at the State Capitol? How do you think our state Capitol will continue to serve Minnesota as our state keeps changing, and what do you think might occur at the Capitol that will impact the future of Minnesota?
Essays will be reviewed by a panel of state officials. Each submission must contain the student’s name, school, home address, phone number and current grade on the front page or cover sheet. Middle and high school entries must be typed in a 12-point font, double-spaced on white 8.5-by 11-inch piece of paper. Elementary school entries may be handwritten. Essays should be 250 words or fewer, and will be judged on creativity, clarity, content and adherence to the theme.
All essays must be received via email or postmarked by April 28th. Entries should be mailed to the Minnesota Department of Administration, c/o Kathy Morgan. 50 Sherburne Ave, Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55117. Entries also may be emailed to: capitol.essays@state.mn.us.
More information on the contest also is provided at: http://mn.gov/admin/capitol-restoration/grand-opening/.
Staying in Touch:
Please be sure to contact me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government. I can be reached by phone at either 651-296-4929, 701-361-1909, or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
