Dear Neighbor,
Session is in full swing with a number of committee meetings and visits from constituents and other groups. Some updates from Saint Paul:
Veterans Bills
This past week, I signed on to a number of Veterans bills authored by Representative Bob Dettmer from Forest Lake. One of those bills, HF59, would make Minnesota the 32nd state to exempt military retirement pay from state taxes. This legislation will help to make Minnesota a friendly state for retiring veterans. As session continues, I also plan to support a tax credit for businesses who hire returning veterans.
Standing for Rural Minnesota
One of the first votes I took this session was on a floor motion following a Republican-led effort to recombine the Agriculture Finance and Agriculture Policy Committees. I supported that effort because I fully believe that the Agriculture Finance budget should be in the hands of a rural Minnesota legislator who understand agriculture and the concerns of Greater Minnesota rather than a legislator from Minneapolis. Ultimately, the effort was voted down on a party-lines vote.
It is my commitment to you that I will be a voice for rural Minnesota, and make sure that the concerns and interests of the rural Minnesota and the agriculture community are well represented in Saint Paul. You can read more in my guest column that appeared last week in the Brainerd Dispatch by clicking here.
Future Farmers of America
State Board members of the Minnesota Future Farmers of America (FFA) attended the Agriculture Policy Bootcamp Legislative Reception on Tuesday. I was honored to meet Marjorie, who is the State Vice President for FFA.
As always, I look forward to hearing from you about issues of importance to you.
Have a great week,
Ron Kresha
State Representative, District 9B