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

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REPS. GUNTHER, CORNISH BILL ASSISTING CITY OF MADELIA MOVES FORWARD

Thursday, April 7, 2016

ST. PAUL – A bill that would provide state assistance to the City of Madelia following a massive fire has made its first committee stop.

 

The "Madelia Strong" proposal is being authored by State Representatives Bob Gunther (R-Fairmont) and Tony Cornish (R-Vernon Center).

 

"When a community is faced with a disaster, state lawmakers look for ways they can help," Gunther said. "People are already pulling together and keeping businesses alive, and this legislation will help Madelia rebuild and recover."

 

On February 3, a fire devastated the City of Madelia and its downtown area as several businesses were destroyed.

 

The bill being carried by Gunther and Cornish provides a 15 year property tax exemption for property damaged or destroyed in the fire; a sales tax exemption on construction materials and equipment to rebuild property, and an extra $80,000 per year for 15 years in Local Government Aid payments to the City of Madelia.

 

"A healthy Main Street is critical to the well-being of any rural Minnesota community, and it's important for us to assist Madelia in its rebuilding efforts," Cornish said. "By session's end, I'm confident we will have good news to report regarding legislation that will help the City and its residents."

 

The Madelia recovery bill was recently heard in the Minnesota House Property Tax and Local Government Finance Division.