(ST. PAUL, MN) – Thursday the Senate Republicans passed a government financing bill that included bonding, tax, and budget provisions for the entire state. The bill provided $200 million in tax relief for small businesses and farmers and a total of $1 billion for transportation and infrastructure projects throughout the state. Notably, significant funding for the Willow River/TOGO Correctional Facility and the long-awaited Section 179 federal tax conformity were a part of the bill.

The bill bonds for $1.87 billion in projects across the state. Investments in safe roads and bridges total $700 million and the water and sewer upgrades total $300 million. All of these projects are expected to significantly increase job opportunities and give the economy a boost.

In Senate District 02, which Sen. Utke represents, the City of Mahnomen will receive $1.9 million for improvements to the wastewater management and treatment system. Other funding in the district includes $2 million for the Heartland Trail extension to Itasca State Park and $5.57 million for the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians – Family and Child Building.

In the supplemental budget section of the legislation, tax relief and prison funding are major portions to note. Section 179 federal tax conformity allows farmers and other small business owners to deduct large equipment purchases on their taxes, which will stimulate the economy with investments in their operations. TOGO/Willow River will receive funding to keep their operation as one of the best correctional facilities in the state going.

Senator Utke noted, “Senate Republicans passed language for Section 179 and TOGO/Willow River during the regular legislative session, but due to interference in the House by the Governor’s office we had to pass it again today. Better late than never, because these are great provisions that will benefit MN for many years in the future!” 

Public safety was also a priority in the budget. This week, Senate Republicans released a report highlighting the inaction from Walz resulted in an increase in destruction and violence during the riots. The money in this bill is explicitly for state agencies to pay the state patrol and DNR overtime costs for protecting people and property, not for riot repair or Twin Cities budgets. It also includes a pay raise for State Troopers. 

There is an even spread of funding throughout the state, with a little over $520 million for rural districts and about $527 million for metro districts. The bill passed with bipartisan agreement and is headed to the Governor’s desk.