Last week, Senator Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth) was recognized by the League of Minnesota Cities as a “Legislator of Distinction.” The honor was granted to 14 state senators and 18 state representatives this year, recognizing them individually for their leadership and efforts to aid Minnesota cities during the 2017 legislative session.

“I’m proud to represent Plymouth, Minnetonka and Woodland, as an advocate for good jobs and economic growth in our area,” said Senator Anderson, Vice Chair of the Senate’s Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy Committee. “I will continue to work on behalf of residents and local businesses, so we can continue to strengthen our cities and local economies.”

In his first session in the Minnesota State Senate, Senator Anderson was instrumental in securing the passage of the Jobs and Economic Development omnibus bill. The legislation makes critical investments that encourage public-private partnerships between cities and local businesses to develop economic growth opportunities throughout the state. Included in the bill are provisions specifically championed by Senator Anderson that encourage local economic development through increased funding for the Job Creation Fund and Minnesota Investment Fund.  The Job Creation Fund provides financial incentives to new and expanding businesses that meet certain job creation and capital investment targets. The Minnesota Investment Fund provides financing to help add new workers and retain high-quality jobs in industrial, manufacturing, and technology-related industries to improve economic vitality statewide.

“Throughout the session, Senator Anderson consulted with local city officials in his district and League staff on a variety of tax and other policy issues,” said Gary Carlson, Intergovernmental Relations Director for the League of Minnesota Cities. “Senator Anderson was the author of a technical bill brought forward by the League that makes a 15-day change to the date by when a special taxing district can certify their preliminary levy. He also worked with the League on the small wireless cell deployment issue and was in regular contact with his city officials about concerns with the bill.”

Sen. Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth) is serving his first term in the Minnesota State Senate representing Senate District 44, which includes the communities of Plymouth, Minnetonka and Woodland. Sen. Anderson is the Vice Chair of Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy Committee and serves on the E-12 Policy, E-12 Finance, Higher Education Finance and Policy, and Taxes Committees.