Greetings District 10!
Minnesota Revenue Forecast
On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget released its February revenue forecast, which provides information and outlook for Minnesota’s financial picture. The report projects a surplus of $9.253 billion for the next budget cycle, which is up from the previous $7.7 billion surplus in the December forecast. This may at first seem like exciting news, but the reality is that the surplus is so large because you are being overtaxed.
Therefore, my Senate Republican colleagues and I have proposed giving this money back to Minnesotans in the form of a long-term, permanent tax cut. The proposal would reduce the first-tier income tax rate from 5.35% to 2.8% and eliminate the tax on Social Security. If passed, the changes would provide $8.51 billion in tax relief to taxpayers over the next three years and serve as our state’s biggest tax cut ever.
Ruud Authors Legislation Creating the Companion Animal Board
More than 70 percent of Minnesotans own at least one pet—it’s clear Minnesota residents value their dogs, cats, and other pets. That’s why Animal Humane Society and a coalition of 22 other animal welfare groups and human service organizations, including Animal Folks, Ruff Start Rescue, Secondhand Hounds, Pet Haven, Tri County Humane Society, Community Emergency Service, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, are calling on members of the state legislature to support the creation of a Minnesota Companion Animal Board. The bill SF73 I am authoring creates the board and it has tri-partisan support from Democrats, Republicans and Independents.
“Companion animals play a vital role in the lives of people across the state, and for many, these animals are so much more than pets. This bill creates the Companion Animal Board, so that we have oversight on issues pertaining to companion animals. This board will provide leadership, direction, and expertise that meet the needs of companion animals and their owners.”
State government is currently structured around livestock for food and fiber production (Department of Agriculture), wildlife management (Department of Natural Resources) and animal diseases (Board of Animal Health). The Companion Animal Board would provide specific expertise and skills to lead and respond to issues pertaining to companion animals and allow the State of Minnesota to more effectively plan for and respond to the health and welfare needs of companion animals and to the efforts of local communities, citizens, and organizations that care for these animals.
The legislation is also supported by not just animal welfare nonprofits, but local governments, human service agencies, and thousands of Minnesotans across the state.
Senator Ruud—Improving Boater Safety in Minnesota
The growth of the boating industry has been incredible—Minnesota ranks first in the nation in registered boats per capita, and Minnesotans own about 7% of all registered boats in the United States. Our state is also fifth in the nation when it comes to total boat sales. In recent years, Minnesota saw a $1.1 billion increase in powerboat and accessory sales. We are expecting increased sales and boating recreation numbers this year. As Minnesotans increase their use of watercraft, it’s important that we ensure they are being operated safely and effectively, reducing the risk for any potential accidents. I have introduced legislation that focuses on boater safety so we can address this issue.
Our state has seen a steady increase in boating accidents and boating-related fatalities throughout the last decade. We had a record low non-fatal boating accidents in 2014, but that number has since doubled. Yet Minnesota only requires boaters aged 12-17 to take a safety course but does not extend this requirement or any other safety requirements to adult operators. Most states already have some form of safety requirements in place for adults, and it’s time we follow suit.
My legislation SF3392 requires the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources to establish a safety course and testing program for operating watercraft. Minnesota already requires that adults take exams to operate cars, snowmobiles, and ATVs. It only makes sense we add a safety course for watercraft. This course would have to be approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and would be available online, ensuring accessibility to everyone.
This legislation will make the boating industry safer and more enjoyable. Many new boat owners just don’t know the rules—they are not necessarily trying to be disrespectful, but their lack of knowledge leads them to boating too fast, creating disturbing wakes, or wandering too close to other watercrafts and shoreline. If we required completion of a safety course, we could help teach new boat owners how to operate their crafts safely, without sacrificing any of the fun aspects of boating.
Minnesotans want to enjoy their lakes, but we want people to recreate safely and respectfully. Requiring a boater safety course would be good for all parties: it would increase the confidence of boat operators, would reduce accidents, and would keep our lakes safe for recreation. It’s time for Minnesota to get on board with boater safety requirements.
DNR—Ice Shelter Removal Deadlines
Dark houses, fish houses and portables must be off the ice no later than midnight for each of the dates given in the categories below. County sheriffs may prohibit or restrict the use of motorized vehicles if dangerous ice conditions are present. If shelters are not removed, owners will be prosecuted. A conservation officer also may confiscate, remove, or destroy any ice structure and its contents if not removed by the deadline.
Inland Waters
South of line—March 7, 2022
North of line—March 21, 2022
Border Waters
Minnesota–Iowa—February 20, 2022
Minnesota–Wisconsin—March 1, 2022
Minnesota–North and South Dakota—March 5, 2022
Minnesota–Canada—March 31, 2022
Dates of removal are determined by an east-west line formed by U.S. Hwy. 10, east along Hwy. 34 to Minnesota Hwy. 200, east along Hwy. 200 to U.S. Hwy. 2, and east along Hwy. 2 to the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. After removal dates, shelters may remain on the ice between midnight and one hour before sunrise only when occupied or attended. Storing or leaving shelters on a public access is prohibited.
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Thank you for taking time to meet this week—Minnesota Clean Water Council, Minnesota Beer Wholesalers, Minnesota State College Faculty, Minnesota Future Farmers of America students, Aitkin and Crow Wing County Commissioners, Minnesota Bow Hunter’s Association, Minnesota Sportsman Alliance, Minnesota Pork Producers Association—and being the guest speaker at the Association of Minnesota Counties Environment & Natural Resources Policy Committee was an honor.
Have a nice weekend!
Thank you for taking the time to read my weekly legislative update. If you’re looking to hear more from the Capitol, please like me on Facebook.
As always please feel free to contact my office with any questions you might have. My office can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4913 or at sen.carrie.ruud@senate.mn.
Talk to you soon!
Carrie Ruud