State Senator Torrey Westrom (R – Elbow Lake) returned to the capitol Tuesday, February 11th, for the convening of the 2020 Legislative Session. This session, the state senate and Republican legislators will primarily look towards the funding of Minnesota’s roads and bridges, strategies to support honest voting, school safety, the exemption of social security income tax for seniors in the state, and to conform and allow “179” deductions for farmers and small business.
“Last session we turned out a successful balanced state budget that will serve our communities well,” said Sen. Westrom. “Among other things, it funded education, rural broadband, and roads and bridges. I look forward to drafting more solid legislation to build upon it and to push for legislation that will best aide our communities, including rural wastewater infrastructure projects.”
As this is the second year in the biennium, the 2020 session will be shorter and focused on bonding. After months of touring the state, the legislature will decide on fiscal distribution to infrastructure plans throughout Minnesota. Roads, bridges, wastewater treatment and sewage projects will be considered for inclusion in this year’s bonding bill.
Sen. Westrom concluded, “We have the opportunity to open up markets for farmers and reduce taxes for our seniors. On top of that, voter ID at the polls will be a necessary next step to secure our elections and ensure that the right to vote freely and honestly is upheld. I have been listening closely to feedback from my constituents and look forward to supporting their interests in St. Paul.”
Senator Westrom continues to serve as Chair of the Agriculture, Rural Development and Housing Finance Committee, where they plan to hold hearings on Grain Bin and Silo safety, rural broadband, and rural housing issues, among other important agricultural and rural matters. He is available by phone (651-296-3826), email (sen.torrey.westrom@senate.mn), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SenatorTorreyWestrom/), where you can follow what’s happening at the capitol.