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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Bob Barrett (R)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Bob Barrett

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

You still have time to take my legislative survey, however this is the last week to do so. Your opinions are invaluable to me, and I would like to thank the more 400 people who have already taken the time to share your thoughts.

If you haven't taken the survey yet, please follow this link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Barrett2015

I will share the results with you soon!

Economic Development Incentives – Are they working?

In Minnesota, we have a number of economic development incentives in state law. These incentives are intended to encourage businesses to relocate, expand, invest or hire in our state. Many times these incentives are offered to make up for the fact that Minnesota is a very high tax state.  However, many states, not just Minnesota, offer incentives for companies to move to their locale.

Below is a link to an article from the Huntsville Times regarding $80 million in incentives Alabama gave Minnesota based Polaris to expand in Alabama, bringing 1,700 jobs to Huntsville AL.

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2015/01/incentive_package_valued_at_ne.html

Incentives can include tax credits, tax exemptions, grants, loans or building facilities and stadiums. While wanting to attract and grow businesses in Minnesota through these incentives can be well intended, I want to ensure they are meeting their goals and expectations.

My bill, House File 1694, would require the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) to evaluate these economic incentive programs so we know that taxpayer funds are being well spent. Reports from the OLA would include the costs to state and local government and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the particular incentive, ensuring the legislature has the information it needs to either continue the incentive, improve the incentive or in some cases, stop the particular incentive altogether because it is not working.

HF 1694 was heard in two committees and laid over for possible inclusion in the State Government Finance committee’s omnibus bill. The Senate companion, SF1596, sponsored by Democrat Senator Ann Rest has been heard in two committees and is awaiting action in the Senate Finance Committee.

I am hopeful this legislation will move forward because it will help protect tax dollars from waste.

If you have any comments regarding state government, I welcome you to contact my office. It's a privilege to represent the people of Chisago County.

Sincerely,

Bob

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