Friends and neighbors, 

I always love this time of year with all of the kids returning to school, whether outside the home or at home.  And this year is more important than ever. Every child has crucial learning needs every year.  It is fun to see all the smiling faces of “first days” over social media.

PPP Refunds….Finally
During the 2020 Legislative Session, I worked hard to undo the MN taxing of PPP loans from the federal government.  It has been tiring, frustrating, and at times it seemed to be a never-happening project. But, finally, Minnesotans will begin to see those tax refunds hitting their bank accounts soon. 

I am glad for those of you who have been waiting so long and struggling with the uncertainty on this money. This is needed and promised so your business and family have a chance to survive this seeming-to-never-end pandemic. It was promised and good to get it done.

Biden’s Vaccines
Recently, President Biden announced sweeping mandates for our nation – every business with over 100 employees must issue a vaccine mandate for their company or employees must be tested weekly. This is clearly government overreach from the highest office and frankly, I am concerned for what this will do not only to our state but to the entire country.  This is an incredibly dangerous precedent to set for businesses – not to mention nearly unenforceable and unconstitutional. Will business owners become the “Vaccine Police” against their employees? This is private, personal information meant to be shared between one person and their doctor. 

Following the pandemic, it has become increasingly hard to find employees to fill open roles in many sectors and this is simply creating further barriers between individuals or business owners from finding employment or hiring. There are simply too many unanswered personal questions, too many variables, and far too much overreach. We are Americans – in the land of the free – we do not need government babysitters for our businesses.

As your State Senator, it is my duty and honor to represent you at the Capitol. I would encourage you to reach out regarding any legislative issue now or in the future. I can be reached by email at Sen.Mary.Kiffmeyer@Senate.MN or please call me at 651-296-5655. 

Sincerely,

Mary