On Thursday, Senate Republicans passed a jobs creation bill that included bonding, tax, and budget provisions for the entire state. The bill invests in Minnesota’s critical infrastructure providing $300 million for wastewater treatment and $700 million for roads and bridges. Additionally, the legislation includes $200 million in tax relief for small businesses and farmers.

“I am proud to see several of the critical infrastructure projects in our area included in the final bonding bill. This legislation focuses on what our state needs: critical infrastructure, roads, and bridges, and wastewater improvement – particularly in Greater Minnesota,” said Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria). “This legislation comes at a critical time when our infrastructure continues to crumble, and our economy is recovering from the mess of COVID-19, and I am happy that we got this done to help our state and help Minnesotans.”

Included in the legislation is funding to renovate the National Guard’s Fergus Falls Readiness Center. The bill also contains money for downtown Riverfront Improvement in Fergus Falls, providing an amphitheater, river balcony, and public arts space. Additionally, the bill includes resources to expand the Pope Douglas Solid Waste Management Campus.

In the supplemental budget portion of the budget, public safety is prioritized. This week, Senate Republicans released a report highlighting the inaction from Walz resulted in an increase in destruction and violence during the riots. The bill does not provide funds to rebuild businesses that were damaged but reimburses law enforcement agencies for their work in quelling the riots this summer. It also includes a pay raise to State Troopers. 

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.