LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW
Feature
What do you foresee as a key issue impacting the Rochester area business community that can be addressed in the 2024 legislative session? Nearly any issue "can" be addressed in 2024. What this question probably implies is what issues can be addressed given a House, Senate and Governor's office that are fully controlled by the Democrat party. It will be interesting to see what the priorities of this legislature will be. I remain hopeful that we can tackle legislation that brings regulatory and tax relief to Minnesota’s businesses. I am committed to reaching across the aisle and finding solutions for our business sector. What are your expectations for the 2024 legislative session? Are there trends that the business community should be aware of? For myself as a Republican, becoming more business friendly, reducing regulatory burdens and bringing tax relief are my top priorities. After watching the Democrat controlled majority squander a $19 billion surplus and add another $10 billion dollars to the tax burden in 2023, it is evident that there is little desire by their party to work across the aisle with Republicans to bring meaningful tax relief to our area businesses. The 2024 session could very likely be dominated once again by social justice issues such as transgender rights, drivers licenses for all, and new state flags, rather than doing the work that truly
Rep. Steve Jacob DISTRICT 20B
benefits our hard working and dedicated business community. I don't look forward to spending another session debating the importance of requiring that menstrual products be available in boys bathrooms at our area public schools, but I certainly would welcome the opportunity to work on meaningful government reform at our Capitol that will benefit our business sector. What is your top focus for the 2024 legislative session? The district that I represent contains more than half of Olmsted County from a geographic standpoint. The district somewhat surrounds the city of Rochester, but it does not contain any of the city proper. Being a fourth generation family farmer who sits on the Ag committee, the Environmental & Natural Resources committee and the Subcommittee of Minnesota Water Policy gives me a clear focus on Agri business and Water quality issues. I intend to introduce legislation that will benefit our area farmers and benefit water quality as well. It is my belief that farmers are the solution to environmental issues and water quality in southeast Minnesota. There is a common misconception that our area farmers intentionally over apply synthetic fertilizer and organic manure. It is in the farmer's best interest to be as efficient as possible in order to make a profit. There is no incentive to over apply fertilizers. If you eat today, please remember to thank a farmer.
18 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — FEBRUARY 2024
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