Legislative Update
Greetings,
Thank you for your feedback, questions, and support! As you know very well, our Fall season continues to be very busy. I am happy share a glimpse in this newsletter, and I hope you enjoy!
LIUNA Infrastructure Summit and Open House
Right after our northeastern Minnesota Capital Investment tour last week, I visited the Labors’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Minnesota Training Center in Lino Lakes, MN. Our visit involved many broad views of future energy and infrastructure project possibilities in Minnesota, the outstanding LIUNA training center completely funded by LIUNA members, and many other guest presentations. One guest, Justin Rost, is a fellow veteran and the Minnesota leader of the Helmets to Hardhats program. This past legislative session, I authored HF1004 which enables Justin to help recruit veterans into the job market, provide training, and help them transition from military service into the construction trades. This bill was included in the overall Labor and Workforce Development omnibus bill passed during our one-day 2025 special session.
Paid Family and Medical Leave
On Monday, I attended an updated presentation on the topic of Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) along with several other local legislators, employers, employees, farmers, and small business owners. The update provided a clear refinement of the program compared to a presentation I received earlier this year. However, based on some great audience questions, I know we will be addressing several refinements to the law that we all knew needed to occur. I highly encourage everyone to visit https://mn.gov/deed/paidleave/. For employers, there are several requirements that must be put into place within the next several weeks, so please visit the website for more details. In addition, I highly encourage everyone to visit the website to learn more about the program.
Owatonna Area Chamber Growth Breakfast Speaker Micah Olson
Yesterday, we heard a great update from Mr. Micah Olson of the US Chamber of Commerce Government office on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). While we only typically hear the negative aspects or perceptions of this bill in the news media, Mr. Olson highlighted several pro-employee and pro-business incentives. Without going into too much detail, the standard federal tax deductions established in 2017 for everyone will remain permanent (formerly due to expire this year). For employees, there are new temporary tax deductions on tip income and overtime pay. Additional business incentives include 100% bonus depreciation for certain assets and immediate expensing of domestic research and development (R&D) initiatives. These incentives reduce the federal taxes our businesses pay while providing strong incentives for re-onshoring our manufacturing processes.
Homes for Heroes
To some people, Thursday, October 16th, 2025 might have seemed like a wet and dreary day. However, I can tell you that there was plenty of warmth and support in one newly renovated home in Owatonna. In a reveal staged much like an HGTV television show, the Owatonna Police, Fire, Lowe’s team, JP Morgan Chase, ProBuild, and the very generous team from Building Homes for Our Heroes escorted the Bryant Family from the Owatonna Lowes parking lot to a newly renovated home in Owatonna. The very well-deserving recipients, Michael and Michelle Bryant, now have a permanent place to call home. US Army Private Michael Bryant was severely injured in Iraq during the early parts of the war. Following his service, the Bryant family relocated to the Owatonna area for employment for Michelle, as Michael is permanently disabled. Sometimes things don’t work out as planned and the Bryant Family found themselves in need of a home. Coincidently, Building Homes for Our Heroes and JPMorgan Chase decided to expand their program into Minnesota for the first time and selected Owatonna. To shorten the story a bit, months of hard work by all involved including the neighborhood resulted in a much brighter day for the Bryant Family. Thanks to everyone who made this event possible for this very special family in our community.
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A completely renovated home in Owatonna for a local veteran and his family
US Army Private Michael Bryant Thanking Our Community and Building Homes for Heroes for the Bryant Family’s New Home
The Bryant Family and our local Owatonna Lowes team who helped renovate this house
The Bryant Family and their new neighbors who contributed to the renovation project welcoming Mike and Michelle Bryant into the neighborhood
Mike, Michelle, and their children in their new living room
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