ST. PAUL – Lawmakers have returned to St. Paul for the start of the 2020 legislative session, and State Representative Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne) expects many priorities to be addressed.
“With this being a bonding year, we will need to determine the size and scope of a capital investment package,” Schomacker said. “With our state facing a projected $1.3 billion budget surplus, I’m expecting to hear plenty of discussion on what to do with the excess money Minnesota’s taxpayers have sent to their state government.”
The capital investment bill borrows money at low interest rates to fund needed construction projects across Minnesota. Schomacker said he is pushing for the inclusion of four local projects in this package: the Red Rock Rural Water System, which is looking to connect more people in western Murray County, including Lake Shetek, to clean drinking water; a new sewer system for the City of Tyler to support the new school and hospital being developed; the Casey Jones Trail; and the Buffalo Ridge Rail Authority, which needs assistance in repairing bridges in order to improve shipment times for grain and other products.
Regarding the $1.3 billion surplus, Schomacker said he’d prefer to see much of that surplus go into a rainy day fund. He’d also like to complete full conformity on Section 179 in our tax law, which centers on accelerated depreciation, but noted that Governor Walz has already indicated his belief that the state has provided enough tax relief to Minnesotans.
Schomacker knows other issues will also receive significant debate as the weeks move ahead. If you have questions on any legislative topic, he encourages you to share your questions and comments anytime by email at rep.joe.schomacker@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-5505.