Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Line 3
On Tuesday, Governor Walz chose to file a petition with the MN Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to reconsider the Certificate of Need for the Line 3 replacement pipeline, which had been unanimously approved by all five commissioners.
This project has the full support of Kittson, Marshall, and Pennington County Commissioners. It would provide millions of dollars in economic development and tax revenue for our district. Furthermore, replacing an aging pipeline will improve environmental safety and reduce the number of oil trains that currently travel through Minnesota.
I was surprised and disappointed with Governor Walz’s decision. This was an opportunity to live up to his campaign promise of bridging divides and promoting “One Minnesota.” Instead, he chose to throw this roadblock in the way of this project. His decision is not in the best interest in Northwest Minnesota. 
I spoke about this with Scott Hennen on his radio program, The Flag, on Tuesday. You can hear my comments here.
ATV Legislation
On Wednesday, the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Policy heard a bill that expanded ATV access to certain campground areas at the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. The bill is similar to my HF 48, which would create a small pilot project to allow ATVs access to both Hayes Lake and Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Parks. The ATVs would only be allowed on roads that motor vehicles are currently allowed to use.
I offered an amendment to include Hayes Lake in the legislation being heard in committee, but Metro Democrats played a large role in defeating it. They disregarded the wishes of the Roseau County Commissioners and Friends of Hayes Lake State Park, who brought me the idea for the legislation, and sided with the DNR and Parks and Trails Council. The DNR agreed to meet with local supporters of this idea over a year ago. Good faith attempts to work with the DNR have not met with substantive progress.
I was disappointed with my colleagues who voted against helping our local state parks, but I appreciate the support of Representative Dave Lislegard who joined me in representing the wishes of Northern Minnesota.
This issue isn’t dead yes. Senator Mark Johnson will carry the companion, so I’m hopeful that it can advance in the Senate and be part of negotiations later in the Session.
Resolution
The Committee on Government Operations heard my bill, HF 562, and Representative Lislegard’s bill, HF 826, on Thursday. These bills propose a resolution to the President and Congress to designate a state funeral for the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. Due to the similarity of the bills, I’ve decided to sign on to Representative Lislegard's bill as it moves through the committee process. Its next stop is the Veterans and Military Affairs Policy and Finance Division.
John Kraemer of Stillwater and Lee Egerstrom, Co-Coordinator of the MN Chapter of State Funerals for WWII Veterans, testified on Thursday.
This idea was brought to me by constituents who have helped lead a statewide effort to raise support for this resolution. Some of them were here to testify in person and others sent written comments. My dad served in World War II, so I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to work with these advocates as they honor this extraordinary generation of veterans.
Tax Conformity
Last week, the Committee on Taxes moved tax conformity legislation one step closer to reality.
Conformity with Federal Section 179 – accelerated depreciation – is one of the top priorities of the farm and ranch industries, large and small businesses owners, and the NFIB. This section allows a business to deduct the cost of purchasing or leasing a piece of equipment. On the federal level, the deduction is taken upfront, which allows the business to deduct the total value the year they purchase it rather than taking the deduction over several years. The business is limited to a total write off of $1 million. Since 2006, Minnesota has not allowed upfront expensing and has capped the deduction at $25,000, with a total phase out of purchases at $200,000.
Legislation was heard in the Minnesota House Taxes Committee that would bring Minnesota into conformity with the federal levels of deduction and expensing, beginning with 2018 equipment purchases.
The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in an Omnibus Tax Bill.
County Audits
I met with State Auditor Julie Blaha this week to discuss my concern about the effect of the unnecessary audits done by her predecessor, Rebecca Otto. I continue to believe that Auditor Otto’s motives were misguided, particularly when people on both sides of the aisle have agreed that the counties aren’t doing anything wrong. It’s not right to bill the counties tens of thousands of dollars for these audits. I’ll be introducing a bill next week to make the counties whole.
Around the Capitol
Cousins Emma and Haley Von Ende from Badger shadowed Representatives Lislegard and Erickson for FCCLA Day at the Capitol on Monday. Speaker Hortman joined us for a photo at the Rostrum in the House Chamber.
County Commissioners from District 1A came to St. Paul for the MN Association of Counties Day at the Capitol. We discussed of range topics that are important to them.
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My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family. I am here to serve you!
Dan