National FFA Week?

With National FFA week well underway, I want to recognize all of the hard-working Future Farmers of America who put so much effort into their education and preparing to provide for the future of our nation. The friendly competition and educational opportunities prepare students across the nation for their futures not just in agriculture but also in business, science, and countless other industries. Happy FFA Week to all of our dedicated students and advisors.?

Tax (mostly) Corrections Bill?

The first bill to be passed off the House floor this year was the Tax Corrections Bill on Monday, HF 2757. After rushing through last session with total control of state government and no regard for the warnings of our caucus, democrats are now discovering the errors that happen when legislation is not given the proper amount of care. With this tax corrections bill we fixed an error where the standard deduction was incorrectly calculated. It is now correctly adjusted based on the rate of inflation.?

Unfortunately, another error in last year's tax omnibus was not corrected in this bill. Net Operating Loss (NOL) allows small businesses to carry a portion of their losses forward to the next tax year as a way to reduce their tax burden. Democrats reduced this deduction and started the change even sooner than they intended, but now that small businesses are struggling under the reduced timeline the majority party and the governor have backed off their stated position to fix this problem that will cost businesses across the state millions of dollars.??

I will not stop trying to convince the majority to fix this problem and provide necessary relief to our small business community. Unfortunately, at this point even with a fix many businesses will need to file amended tax refunds and incur that added cost.??

Visit the State Capitol?

This week really felt like we were back into the swing of things with many visitors who stopped by my office to share their concerns and goals for the legislative session. To start the week was the Sheriff?s Association Day on the Hill where our dedicated Cass County Sheriff, Bryan Welk, stopped by to talk about the challenges he is facing in law enforcement. Brett, who operates Forgotten Heros Ranges & Retreat, talked about the amazing work they are doing to provide accessible firearms and archery ranges for disabled veterans. Then to finish out Thursday was my EMS Guys who I got to do a ride-along with back in January. North Memorial Health Ambulance does important work and the funding for our rural ambulance services is critical to keeping our communities healthy.?

Add Your Comments?

A reminder that my bill, HF 3505 which would expand the homestead exclusion amount for veterans with disabilities so that they would receive a reduced property tax bill on their primary residence, is headed to committee. Disabled veterans are one of many groups in our communities that are often on a fixed-income. This would be just one way we can show our appreciation for the service and sacrifice they have made for our country and our freedom. If you would like to submit written comments before the hearing next week you can email your letter to [email protected] by 5pm on Sunday, February 25, 2024.