(ST. PAUL, MN) – Today, the Minnesota Senate passed a jobs and economic stimulus package which includes bonding, tax, and supplemental budget provisions for the entire state. The bipartisan bill invests in Minnesota’s critical infrastructure providing $300 for wastewater treatment and $700 for roads and bridges. Additionally, the legislation includes $200 million in critically needed tax relief for small businesses and farmers.

The bonding bill has a couple of local projects, including $5 million in funding for the Plymouth Creek Center expansion project, and $4 million for the Wayzata Boardwalk-Lake Effect project.

“While the bill was far from perfect, it contains much needed investments across our state, including vital funding to higher education – $90 million for Minnesota State, and over $75 million for the University of Minnesota,” said Senator Anderson, Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee.

A top priority of Senate Republicans was Chapter 179 tax conformity for main street businesses and farmers. This change allows farmers and other small business owners to deduct large equipment purchases on their taxes that will stimulate the economy with investments in their operations.   

“Bringing Minnesota into conformity on Section 179 has long been a top priority of mine in the Senate,” said Senator Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth). “This improves Minnesota’s tax competitiveness and will help our small businesses and farmers reinvest in our state and help grow our economy.

In the supplemental budget portion of the budget, public safety is prioritized. The bill reimburses law enforcement agencies for their work in quelling the riots this summer. It also includes a pay raise to State Troopers.

Senator Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth) represents Senate District 44, which includes the cities of Plymouth, Minnetonka, and Woodland. He is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education Finance and Policy and serves on the Taxes and E-12 Education Committees.