Minnesota House of Representatives
District 12A 651-296-4929 – rep.jay.mcnamar@house.mn
431 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Matt Privratsky – 651-296-6860
February 13, 2013
STATE REP. JAY MCNAMAR PRESENTS A BILL TO LOWER TAXES ON LOCAL EMERGENCY RESPONDERS
ST. PAUL, MN – Rep. Jay McNamar (DFL – Elbow Lake) presented a bill to the Taxes Committee that would make all ARMER radio equipment exempt from state taxes.
Currently fire fighters, police officers, and other first responders are federally required to upgrade their radio equipment to new radios that operate on a different frequency. But for many communities, the cost to upgrade that equipment can be a large portion of their budget. This bill will lessen that burden, by making those purchases exempt from Minnesota taxes.
“This is something that local law enforcement and first responders really need,” said Rep. McNamar. “For some of these communities, that extra cost can mean deciding between new equipment and not being able to communicate with other responders in the area. This bill will keep our communities safe by keeping those first responders well equipped to do their jobs.”
Testifying at the hearing were Troy Langlie, a Grant County Sheriff Deputy, Sheriff Daniel Hartog of Kandiyohi County, and representatives from the St Cloud Fire Department and the League of Minnesota Cities.
“As a former mayor, I know how tough it can be to balance those local budgets,” said Rep. McNamar. “Public safety is a real statewide priority. And with all the support I’ve received on this bill, I know we’ll be able to keep it that way.”
The bill has bipartisan support from over 20 coauthors in the House. It will be carried by Sen. Torrey Westrom, also of Elbow Lake, in the Senate.
Throughout the legislative session, Rep. McNamar encourages all constituents to contact him directly with any questions, comments, or concerns on any legislative issue. Rep. McNamar can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4929 or by email at rep.jay.mcnamar@house.mn. To sign up for email updates from Rep. McNamar, go to www.house.mn/12a
###