SAINT PAUL, Minn. –This week, the Minnesota Legislature passed with bipartisan support a Jobs & Local Projects and Critical Economic Development bill with investments in infrastructure and economic stimulus to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation invests $1.879 billion toward public assets such as higher education institutions, clean water infrastructure, roads and bridges, parks, trails, and more. It also contains supplemental state budget appropriations and a series of tax policy changes.
The legislation funds improvements to the Anoka Ramsey Technical and Community College, Coon Rapids’ Recycling Center, Mississippi Point Park in Champlin, and Highway 10. A full list of the projects included can be accessed here.
“I am thrilled that the Minnesota Legislature passed a phenomenal Jobs and Infrastructure bill,” said Rep. Stephenson, who championed the measures for Coon Rapids and Champlin residents. “This economic stimulus package will jumpstart our economy by investing in local jobs and projects and economic development for all Minnesotans at a time when its needed most.”
The legislation also includes a series of supplemental budget items, including $16 million for direct care and treatment programs at the Department of Human Services. In addition, it contains funding for a temporary pay increase for personal care attendants, $10.3 million to allow the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to test sexual assault examination kits, and funding for the State Patrol and Department of Natural Resources to cover overtime costs from this summer’s civil unrest.
Finally, the bill contains changes to tax policies, including full section 179 conformity to the federal tax code aimed at helping businesses and farmers. It also has a policy fix for short-term rental properties, flexibility for the Minnesota State High School League’s sales tax proceeds, and an expansion of the homestead property tax exclusion for the spouses of deceased disabled veterans.
###