I returned to St. Paul this Tuesday for the convening of the 2020 Legislative Session and will be at the Capitol full time until May 18th, as it will be getting busy very quickly. Some things I plan to focus on this year will be jobs and job training, the energy future for Minnesota, promoting trades and manufacturing in our schools, and issues contractors face on a day to day basis.  

I have taken on another issue area by accepting a position on the Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council (UIAC). I will look at how we can help people who are on unemployment get training to improve their skills in the workforce.

I will also be working on many local issues with community leaders, as well as local projects for the bonding bill. Additionally, I will collaborate hand in hand with the Dept. of Agriculture surrounding the positive CWD case in Pine County, which I am watching very closely.

A prominent topic this year will be the 1.3 billion-dollar surplus. I am hoping we can focus on tax cuts for Minnesotans, especially removing the income tax on social security benefits and conforming to Section 179 for our small businesses and farmers. We could also look at some one-time investments, such as helping our schools with their cross-subsidies. 

The other main issue this year will be the bonding bill. I am hoping we can focus our efforts on roads, water projects, and repairing state buildings at our universities and colleges, including Pine Technical Community College and Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. 

I continue to support mining and energy projects, such as the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline. It is clear to me that the repair of the pipeline is not only the safest thing for our communities but the environment. An aging pipeline spells nothing but trouble for our future. 

I appreciate being contacted by many of you with your opinions and concerns about the issues we face at the Capitol. Please feel free to reach out to me by phone, email, or letter, and look for updates as the session progresses. I can be reached at 651-296-1508, sen.jason.rarick@senate.mn, or 95 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55155.