Dear Friends,
I'm excited to let you know that I've introduced my first bills of the 2015 session. During Tuesday's session, House Files 258 and 263 were officially introduced.
House File 258 expands a research tax credit for small businesses and companies who make investments over $200,000 in research and development here in Minnesota. Encouraging companies to conduct their research here will put more Minnesotans to work and will continue to fuel innovation.
Medtronic, 3M, and others got their start in Minnesota. I want the next major discoveries and technological advances—and the thousands of potential jobs that come with them—to take place here rather than in Texas, California or anywhere else.
My bill had its first committee hearing yesterday in the Tax Committee, and was laid over for possible inclusion in a future Tax Omnibus bill.
The second bill, HF263 makes permanent a program that was set to expire later this year that provides financial assistance for extracurricular activities for low-income students using a portion of sales tax proceeds from high school athletic events.
This program began in 2006 and was renewed in 2011, and has enjoyed bipartisan support throughout the years. As a school board member, I know it's a program that helps thousands of kids around the state, and believe it's time to make this program permanent.
Property Tax Hearing next Tuesday
Just a reminder that I will be holding a listening session with members of the Property Tax Committee next Tuesday, January 27th at Jo Jo's Rise and Wine in Burnsville. I want to get your feedback and give members of the committee a chance to hear directly from you how the budgets of Lakeville and Burnsville families are impacted by rising property taxes.
If you're interested in attending, you're encouraged to pre-register by contacting Grant Erickson, the Property Taxes Committee Assistant at 651-296-9710 or by email at grant.erickson@house.mn. I hope to see you there.
Please don't hesitate to contact me directly with your comments, questions, and concerns on this or any other issue. You can reach my office by calling 651-296-5387 or by email at rep.roz.peterson@house.mn. I enjoy hearing from you, and your emails, phone calls, and letters help me better represent our community.
Have a great weekend,
Roz Peterson
State Representative, District 56B