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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Paul Anderson (R)

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Local roundup; property taxes set to rise, especially for ag. land

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Dear Neighbor,

 

Despite the unseasonably cold and windy weather, it was great to participate in yesterday’s golf outing to benefit Minnewaska Area Schools athletics. It was good to see so many people brave the elements to raise money for a valuable cause.

 

This weekend District 12B parades will take place in Sauk Centre Saturday evening and in Freeport Sunday morning. Hope to see you there!

 

As for some legislative notes, we have received word from nonpartisan House staff that property tax levies will rise by $238 million next year, a 92-percent gain over last year’s $124 million increase. That is a 3-4 percent increase when compared with the full levy total of 8.9 billion. 

 

Overall property tax increases are projected to rise by 3.3 percent in Greater Minnesota and 2.4 percent in the Metro Area. Based on a statewide average, residential homesteads can expect a 3.8 percent increase and agricultural property is expected to jump 4.7 percent.

 

This is highly concerning, especially in light of the fact the $2 billion tax increase that passed in 2013 was sold to citizens as something that would bring real property tax relief. Now, property taxes are increasing for people all across the state and people in parts of the state like ours are being hit the hardest.

 

What makes this especially hard to swallow is the fact the Dept. of Agriculture figures Minnesota grain farmers lost $100 million in the past three months because of the high cost of transporting their commodities to market.

 

As noted in a column I submitted to District 12B newspapers this week, among the reasons given for the higher cost of transportation were congestion on rail lines and a bitterly cold winter that backed up service. Over the past several years, the cost passed back to farmers by elevators to move grain to market has usually ranged from 30 to 60 cents per bushel, depending on the time of year. This past winter and spring, that cost, called “basis,” ranged up to $1 per bushel. Leaders from various parts of the industry are working to find solutions.

 

On another agriculture note, I continue hearing from farmers who are concerned about DNR policy regarding irrigation wells. It seems we need to improve communications so farmers know what they need to do in order to receive permits. I assisted one local farmer who was caught in bureaucratic red tape by going directly to the DNR. We straightened things out for him and he seems to be on track.

 

We have now reached 60 days since the end of the 2014 session and House rules state legislative members cannot send email updates like these until after the November election. I still will be fully free to respond to people on a one-on-one basis, so keep providing me with your input on the issues.

 

Sincerely,

Paul