Dear Neighbor,
Week 2 of the 2023 session is nearing its end and here is a look at the latest news and notes from the House:
Tax conformity bill
The Minnesota House on Monday passed without opposition legislation allowing state taxpayers to take advantage of numerous tax provisions already approved at the federal level. This federal conformity will help both tax preparers and tax filers this tax season, particularly benefiting those hardest hit from the shutdowns the governor forced on businesses – including restaurant, hospitality, and entertainment industries.
Passage of this bill early in the session will allow tax software to be updated in time for the 2023 filing season. Language the House passed Monday indicates taxpayers have until Dec. 31 to file an amended return.
The Senate also approved tax conformity bill this week and the governor enacted it yesterday.
Town hall meetings
Thank you to the people who attended the series of town hall meetings I recently co-hosted with Sen. Dahms in Tracy, Marshall, Canby, Dawson, Madison and Granite Falls. I always enjoy communicating directly with constituents and the input we received is very much appreciated. The thoughts, ideas and concerns brought to us will be helpful as we make important decisions this session.
Nuclear fusion bill
President Biden recently announced a technological breakthrough has occurred which may allow us to harness nuclear fusion, an energy source that has the potential to create abundant clean electricity. This could be a game-changing breakthrough and I am authoring a bill that would pave the way for nuclear fusion projects to move forward in Minnesota if/when the technology is commercially viable. I will continue working closely with this subject, especially in my role as the leading House Republican on energy, so stay tuned for more. For now, here is a recent article on this fascinating advancement.
Butcher training grants for schools
It is important we expand meat-processing capacity in Minnesota to meet demand and, at the same time, support the agriculture industry that is so crucial in our state. I personally have authored legislation to help Minnesota butcher shops grow their businesses.
Now, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has unveiled a grant opportunity aimed at helping Minnesota schools looking to establish or enhance meat cutting and butchery training for secondary students. The MDA said the Meat Education and Training Grant Program will award $350,000 in onetime funding to secondary and technical education programs to fund equipment, facility renovation, curriculum development, faculty training, and more. Applications are due March 9 and more information is at this link. Let’s hope this grant is successful in opening the door to more people getting into butchery to help this sector of agriculture thrive in our state.
Until next time, have a good weekend and stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Chris