Feature F
District 26
Q: What is an outcome from the 2022 Legislative Session that will have a significant impact on the Rochester area business community? A: Repaying the unemployment insurance (UI) debt and fund replenishment is a big victory for Minnesota’s small businesses and their employees. Minnesota owed the federal government over $1 billion for a loan that covered Covid-related unemployment spikes. Senate Republicans were early leaders on this – passing a full UI fix in mid-February. Repaying the debt and replenishing the UI trust fund protects small businesses from massive tax increases and
protects employees in times of slowdowns. I am disappointed at the lost opportunity to provide much-needed tax relief to small businesses and their employees. As chair of the Senate Tax Committee, I worked closely with my Democrat House counterpart to provide historic levels of tax relief for every Minnesotan, including reducing the statewide general levy on all commercial and industrial property. It’s deeplyfrustrating the House refused to act on the agreed-upon tax bill. Q: What is a notable or key accomplishment from the session? A: In addition to the $2.7 billion in unemployment insurance payback, there were several big wins for Minnesotans this year: • We provided bonus pay for the frontline workers who kept us safe and healthy during the covid pandemic. (Applications are now open, visit https://frontlinepay.mn.gov!) • We extended the successful reinsurance program, which has kept health care premium prices from ballooning again. • We passed my landmark health insurance legislation requiring at least one flat predictable copay option for Minnesotans facing high-cost prescription drugs. • We passed a historic bill that will improve support and treatment for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. • We provided funding to expand border-to-border high-speed internet access. • We passed emergency drought relief grants for livestock and specialty crop farmers who were devastated by last year’s drought conditions. • We passed a Veterans bill that keeps our promise to those who have served our country. Sen. Carla Nelson District 26
Q: What is an outcome from the 2022 Legislative Session that will have a significant impact on the Rochester area business community? A: During the legislative session, we were able to fill the unemployment insurance trust fund. Without legislators taking on this bill, area business owners would have to pay a 15% tax increase. Along with providing $2.7 billion to repay the fund, the bill provided money to pay frontline workers. This is one small way we can thank the workforce that stepped up during the pandemic and kept us all safe. Both of these items will create a positive impact for our businesses and workers. Q: What is a notable or key accomplishment from the session? A: We tried to bring meaningful tax relief to Minnesotans but unfortunately, our
Rep. Nels Pierson District 26B
efforts were rebuffed by the majority. It is my hope that in the next legislative session, Minnesotans will see more resources and money for our law enforcement to create a safer state, and changes to our tax code that will relieve Minnesota families of the incredibly high prices we are paying at the gas pump and grocery store. Editors Note: At the time of publication, responses were not available from Rep. Tina Liebling or Rep. Duane Quam.
Advantage Magazine | 5
July 2022
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting