We are wrapping up the 7th week of what has turned out to be a fast and furious 93rd Legislative Session.

While there is great agreement on issues needing to be addressed, there is often just as much disagreement on how to do so. Bills moving in the senate to address Paid Family & Medical Leave, Emerging Developer Funds, and Prescription Drug Affordability are expansive, expensive, one size fits all, government growing and bureaucratic heavy.

While the underlying ideas are well-intentioned, there is a better path to achieving these goals: Parental Leave Tax Credits, New Markets Tax Credit, and Prescription Drug Rebates are a few pieces of legislation I’ve introduced this session that empower Minnesotans without one size fits all mandates and without massive tax increases.

After my work wrapped up in Saint Paul last week, I was able to stop by SPARK in Rochester to read to some eager learners. It is always a joy to spark imagination in our youngest generations.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me for help with any state issue or legislative initiative: sen.carla.nelson@senate.mn or at 651–296–4848.

Read on for:

· New Markets Tax Credit

· Re-appointment to the Capitol Preservation Commission

· DNR’s Lifetime Fishing Licenses

Follow me on Facebook to get the latest updates on what is happening under the Capitol Dome: https://www.fb.com/SenatorCarlaNelson

It is a privilege to serve you!

Carla

New Markets Tax Credit

This week the tax committee heard my bill to incentivize community development and economic growth in distressed communities by creating a tax credit for development in new markets. I have proudly authored this bill in past years and, as Tax Chair, included it in the bi-partisan tax bill passed out of conference committee last session.

A lot of distressed communities are familiar with this vicious cycle: the economy slumps, businesses close down, residents leave for places where there are more jobs, the community struggles to attract new investment, more businesses close, and more people leave. It is a cycle that can be difficult to break. The New Markets Tax credit will help those communities create economic growth by providing tax credits to companies who invest in these communities. These investments create jobs, attract new residents, and create thriving, energetic communities.

What does it do?

• This bill creates a state-level program that builds on the successful federal New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program
• It pairs state funds with federal funds and private capital to support the growth of businesses in underserved communities in all corners of the state.
• This program would enable $120 million of growth capital to be invested in Minnesota businesses within 12 months of the program starting, putting these funds to work in the communities that need them most without delay.
• $60 million (50% of the total funds) must be invested in businesses in Greater Minnesota communities such as ours.

14 other states have passed a state-level NMTC program like this, including Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Ohio. This program in Minnesota can attract the investment our surrounding states are already seeing as a result of their own state New Markets programs.

This bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the Tax Omnibus bill, and I look forward to continuing to champion this public-private partnership.

Proud to be reappointed to Capitol Preservation Board

Recently I was reappointed to the state’s Capitol Preservation Commission, the state’s 22-person board that oversees the restoration, preservation, and maintenance of state capitol grounds.

I authored the bill that established this important commission back in 2011. I still have vivid memories of walking beneath scaffolding as I entered that capitol. The scaffolding was at every entrance to the Capitol to protect from granite falling from the building. I knew early on that the capitol building was in desperate need of restoration — not only to preserve and maintain our history but for the safety of the hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans who visit our beautiful capitol each year. I am proud to continue to serve this important mission.

History of MN’s State Capitol:

The current state Capitol building has been the center of Minnesota’s government since 1905. To construct a building of this scale was an ambitious undertaking for Minnesota, which had only become a state in 1858.

Construction of the current Capitol began on May 6, 1896 and was led by architect Cass Gilbert, who would go on to design the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington D.C. After nine years and a cost of $4.5 million, the Renaissance Revival-style building opened to the public on Jan. 2, 1905 with a goal of showing that Minnesota was no longer a frontier. It was equipped with the famed electrolier and the first building in Minnesota to have flushing toilets.

A gift for a lifetime: DNR’s Lifetime Fishing Licenses

Terry and I purchased lifetime fishing and hunting licenses for our granddaughters for Valentine’s Day. These lifetime resident licenses are the perfect gift for any hunters or fishers in your family!

Find out more here.