Dear Neighbor,
Greetings from the Capitol, where the focus this week has been on getting policy bills through committees ahead of today's House deadline. Look for budget items to come to the forefront next week.
One of the policy bills I introduced which advanced through a committee this week exempts farm tile from sales taxes. This is designed to enhance productivity and it is now set aside for possible inclusion in an omnibus tax bill. I also received a good hearing on a bill which looks to allow for greater usage of unconventional vehicles such as mini trucks and that legislation remains a possibility to be included in an omnibus transportation bill.
Budget work will pick up next week as the House and Senate unveil their respective proposals for a new two-year plan. I continue receiving a significant amount of feedback from local citizens on budget matters and would like to let you know of some ways you can weigh in on matters.
First of all, I am conducting an online survey of issues related to the budget and more. Click here for that link.
Also, a series of area town hall meetings have been scheduled for dates in the near future. First, there will be a meeting at the Perham Living Center in Fergus Falls 10 a.m. Monday, March 30, followed by a meeting hosted by M State Fergus Falls at 8 p.m. that same day.
Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen and I will co-host three town hall meetings of our own on Tuesday, March 31.
Here is that itinerary:
8:15 a.m.: Viking Café (203 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls)
10 a.m.: Pelican Rapids Library (25 W. Mill Ave., Pelican Rapids)
12:15 p.m.: Shoreline Restaurant& Lanes (505 Lake Ave. N., Battle Lake)
These will be informal meetings open to the public. We can discuss a wide variety of legislative issues and look forward to hearing from district citizens.
On a final note, congratulations to Battle Lake for recognition it recently received from the Minnesota Rural Water Association for having the best-tasting water in Minnesota. Click here for the full story as it appeared in the Fergus Falls Daily Journal.
Sincerely,
Bud