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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Nels Pierson (R)

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House Democrats Cause Missed Deadline

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

ST. PAUL - House Democrats refused to bring the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund to the House Floor for a vote Monday, resulting in tax hikes for Minnesota business owners.

Representative Nels Pierson (R-Rochester) said Minnesota businesses will ultimately pay the price for the Democrats’ inaction.

“This is another example of failed leadership and putting politics above people,” Pierson said. “Business owners are now being punished after they had to shut down thanks to government mandates.”

House Republicans made every effort to reach across the aisle. With the refusal to bring the bill to the vote, the $2.7 billion unemployment fund deficit Minnesota accumulated during the pandemic will not be refilled.

The legislation has support from Governor Walz, all Senate Republicans, and Democrats and House Republicans. Without the governor’s signature, the legislation will miss the March 15 deadline.

The Commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development encouraged House members to pass the legislation, citing a six-year tax hike that would burden business owners without it.

Still, the House Democrats refused and have refused to do anything to move the legislation. The bill has not moved through committee since February.

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