ST. PAUL, MN - State Representative Zachary Dorholt (DFL – St. Cloud) hit the ground running at the State Capitol, coauthoring three major pieces of legislation and meeting with Congresswoman Michele Bachmann yesterday afternoon.
Congresswoman Bachmann and Rep. Dorholt had a brief meeting to discuss bipartisan transportation legislation to add an extra lane to I-94 between Minneapolis and St. Cloud.
“I was happy to meet with Congresswoman Bachmann,” said Rep. Dorholt. “The room for a new lane is there, traffic congestion is getting worse and we need to do something about it. In addition, I will continue to make the Northstar line expansion a priority, as roads are only a part of the solution for easing congestion.”
Rep. Dorholt is the coauthor of three major bills introduced yesterday. HF 1 pays back the school shift. The previous legislature borrowed $2.2 billion from Minnesota schools to balance the budget.
“Quality schools are the key to our economic future,” said Rep. Dorholt. “This level of borrowing was totally irresponsible and we owe it to schools and our kids to pay the money back.”
HF 2 will expand the Renter’s Credit and create the Homestead Credit Refund to provide direct property tax relief to Minnesota homeowners and renters. The previous legislature eliminated the Homestead Credit last year, increasing property taxes by $370 million statewide.
“Rising property taxes are a big issue in the St. Cloud area, especially the townships,” said Rep. Dorholt. “Skyrocketing property taxes are hurting middle class families and property tax relief is a big priority this legislative session.”
HF 4 would expand funding for the Minnesota Trade Office to promote Minnesota’s competitiveness globally. This funding is intended to expand economic opportunities to small and medium-sized Minnesota businesses.
“While we see some economic recovery, it is slow and there are too many St. Cloud residents who are still unemployed, underemployed, or working with reduced wages and hours,” commented Rep. Dorholt. “I will do everything I can to improve Minnesota’s economy.”
Rep. Dorholt can be reached by phone at (651) 296-6612 or by email at rep.zachary.dorholt@house.mn.
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