Dear Neighbor,
On Tuesday, the House passed a bill to establish a one year moratorium on MnDOT implementing new ditch-mowing regulations. Late last year, MnDOT released a statement stating that they were planning to change the statewide permitting standards for mowing and bailing ditches along state roadways. Some of the new provisions laid out in their statement were very ridiculous and need further examination. Some of these outlandish provisions include: requiring a specific dress code for the operator of the vehicle and to work in a “workmanlike” manner.
On Thursday, The House began voting on budget bills; one of those being a $1.35 billion tax relief proposal for middle class Minnesotans, which passed on a bipartisan vote of 80-52. With the state experiencing a $1.6 billion surplus, proving tax relief for Minnesotans is just plain common sense.
If this tax bill is signed into law, it will be very beneficial for our local farmers and landowners. The bill includes $42 million in relief for farmers by reducing the burden they pay for school bond referendums. Farmers and landowners, on average, pay 10 times as much as those who live in town for levy referendums; this bill will help in shrinking that gap. Approximately 240,000 farmers could receive property tax relief to reduce their disproportionate share of school district debt service. Farms will also benefit from a measure conforming the state death tax to the federal exclusion. Additionally, there is a 5% tax credit for beginning farmers who purchase agricultural assets.
Other highlights of the bill include:
Environment and Natural Resources:
The House also passed the Environment and Natural Resources Omnibus Bill this week. This bill streamlines environmental review, reins in government spending through agency efficiencies, and protects farmers and landowners from government overreach.
Some highlights of the bill include:
The Senate will be taking up their versions of the Tax and Environment bills in the coming weeks. The discrepancies between the bills will then be resolved in conference committee.
This week Senator Gazelka and I met with Wadena County Commissioners to discuss local legislative priorities.
I also met with Farm Bureau members who serve on their board of directors: Miles Kuschel from Cass County and Debra Durheim from Todd County, as well as Commissioner Sheldon Monson’s wife, Sharin, and his two sons, Eric and Caleb.
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If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-4293, or rep.john.poston@house.mn.
Sincerely,