Prior Lake lawmaker especially helpful on pro-Main Street votes

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Minnesota announced the presentation of its Guardian of Small Business award to Senator Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake) for his votes in support of small businesses in the Minnesota State Senate. With 10,000 members statewide, NFIB is Minnesota’s largest small-business group.

“Small businesses are critical to Minnesota’s economic growth and long-term success,” said Senator Pratt, Chairman of the Senate Jobs & Economic Growth Committee. “Through the jobs and services that small businesses provide in our local communities, they make our state a better place to live. I will continue to support policies that not only encourage current small business to grow and expand, but also eliminate barriers that entrepreneurs face in opening new businesses in Minnesota.”

Senator Pratt received a 100% rating from the group for his votes during the 2017-2018 sessions of the Minnesota Legislature, including support for legislation signed into law by Governor Mark Dayton (DFL) that resulted in a significant small-business property tax reduction, a significant increase in the estate tax emption that particularly helps family farms, and a much-needed 25 percent reduction in health insurance premiums for those on the individual market. Further, Senator Pratt supported critical legislation that preempts local units of government from enacting minimum wages higher than the state’s, and from imposing other new mandates on local employers.

“Senator Pratt is a real friend of small business, and we are happy to announce that he has earned the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award,” concluded Mike Hickey, NFIB Minnesota state director.