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What do you foresee as a key issue that will impact the Rochester area business community in the 2023 legislative session? As a newly elected member of the Republican minority in the Minnesota House of Representatives, my concerns lie with runaway government spending. Most people are aware that Minnesota is going into the 2023 legislative session with a 11-billion-dollar overcollection of tax dollars. Since democrats control the House, the Senate and the Governor’s office, there will be very little to stand in the way of wasteful spending. This could negatively affect Rochester area businesses because it is likely democrats will incorporate the budget surplus into the next budget, thereby driving state budgets higher in the future. Rochester area businesses need tax relief and I will work hard to give it to them, however I am concerned for the direction things could actually go. What are your expectations for the 2023 legislative session? Are there trends the business community should be aware of? The 2023 legislative session will be an uphill battle for both the business community and the taxpayer. We will need cooperation from the democrat majority to bring any meaningful tax relief to our area businesses. I am currently finishing my tenth year as a Winona County Commissioner where I have been serving in a minority for the last eight years. I will use that experience to find common ground and deliver tax relief for area businesses. Another aspect that we will need to work around is the extensive use of omnibus bills in St. Paul. There can be negative aspects to business in some parts of the bill while at the same time there are pieces that are very beneficial to business in a different part of the bill. I intend to work to separate these pieces so they can be voted individually.
Rep. Steve Jacob DISTRICT 20B
DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in the Legislative Preview are the sole views of the legislator. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce or its members. The publication of the legislator’s statements therein do not imply the expression of any endorsement whatsoever by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce or its members.
Advantage Magazine | 9
January 2023
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