Dear Friends,
Here are some updates from this week in St. Paul:
Broadband Grants
Kandiyohi County is an amazing place to live and raise a family, but, sadly, some areas are without fast, reliable internet service. During my time in office, I’ve been a proponent of broadband expansion throughout Greater Minnesota. Rural areas need access to high-speed internet in order to keep pace with the metro area.
Last biennium, we passed $45 million in broadband funding, and when combined with federal funds, Minnesota is set to receive $100 million toward broadband this year. Earlier this week, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced two projects in Kandiyohi County will receive nearly $6 million in grants. This will bring high-speed internet to 2500 homes and 150 local businesses. I am thrilled to see Kandiyohi County receiving funding for two expansion projects, and can’t wait for thousands of local residents to obtain broadband access.
Authoring Bills
I’ve authored or co-authored six bills so far this session, ranging from highway projects to healthcare reform. I’m proud to say that HF2, the tax relief bill we passed last week, was signed into law earlier today by Governor Dayton. I’m honored to co-author this bill to help provide early tax relief for Minnesotans around the state. I’m working on other bill ideas and will continue to keep you updated on any legislation I’m drafting in St. Paul.
Local Events
We have a few events coming up in the area in the coming weeks. KCEO class is having their annual gala next Friday, January 20 at the Willmar Conference Center. It‘s a great night to recognize a fabulous collaboration of schools as ACGC, NLS, and Willmar bring students to the best entrepreneurial opportunities ever!
WinterFest is also coming to Spicer soon. I hope you enjoy the new snow and outdoor activities!
Please Contact Me
If you have an idea for a bill, please contact me. Some of the best bills I’ve introduced have come from folks in our area. You can keep in touch by email at rep.dave.baker@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-6206. You can also follow my updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repdavebaker or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/davebakermn.
Have a great weekend,
Dave