Dear Friends,
Last week, I was joined by my colleagues House GOP Leader Kurt Daudt from Crown, MN and Rep. Tim O'Driscoll from Sartell and had the chance to show them around District 09B.
We started off in Long Prairie, where we met with District Superintendent Jon Kringen. Discussion focused on things the legislature can do to ease the burdens that numerous Department of Education mandates have on school districts in Greater Minnesota. Later on, we stopped in a 3rd grade classroom to see the district's new iPad program in action.
It was fascinating to see first-hand how much technology has changed and impacted learning in the classroom even in just the past several years. Schools in the Long Prairie-Grey Eagle District and all across the state have done incredible work bringing 21st century technology into the classroom and using it to keep students engaged and excited about learning each day.
For lunch we visited Taqueria Chavez, a wonderful Mexican restaurant on Main Street in Long Prairie. We visited with Long Prairie Mayor Don Rasmussen, a representative from the local Chamber of Commerce, and the local economic development director. Conversation centered around the business climate in Long Prairie and other towns of similar size in Greater Minnesota, and how actions by the legislature have impacted business and jobs.
We also talked about how tiered water usage would impact Long Prairie, which is home to a meat-packing plant that is one of the region's largest water consumers. Local officials underscored the need to prevent a return to a tiered system which penalizes companies that use more water (examples include the meat packing plant, hospitals, and nursing homes) and would hurt businesses that provide hundreds, if not thousands of jobs in our area.
After lunch, we drove to Little Falls to IWCO Direct to tour their factory. IWCO employs about 500 employees right here in Little Falls. IWCO was founded back in 1985 with just 30 employees and has grown to one of the largest direct mail companies in the nation, sending out more than 1 billion pieces of mail each year.
We heard about the impact of the new commercial equipment repair tax. Based on last year's repair bills, IWCO estimated they would have had to pay more than $150,000 if new taxes thanks to the budget passed in May.
This is just one example of how the new misguided business-to-business taxes are affecting companies across Minnesota. That money doesn't come from thin air -- $150,000 is the equivalent of 3 or 4 jobs at IWCO.
It was great to show my colleagues around Long Prairie and Little Falls, and for them to meet many of the hardworking folks that make our community a special place to live.
As always, my door is always open, and I always welcome your input, comments, and questions. You can reach my office by calling 651-296-4247 or by email at rep.ron.kresha@house.mn
As always, thank you for the honor or representing our community at the legislature.
Take care,
Ron