Dear Neighbors,
It was another busy week in St. Paul, working hard to make sure you and your family are well represented in the legislature.
I had my first bill hearing on Thursday in the Taxes Committee.
House File 975 is a common sense bill that would provide a refundable sales tax exemption on construction materials, supplies, and equipment used in improvements being made at the Grand Rapids Civic Center.
It was a rewarding experience to present this bill as I was switching between two committees. I will always work hard to make sure the values and priorities of the Northland are well represented. I look forward to helping move this bill through the legislative process!
Here I am "virtually" presenting my bill in the Taxes Committee
I have also requested hearings in the Environment Committee for my wolf hunt and mining bills. Stay tuned for updates on this and please reach out to me if you would like to learn ways to get involved to make sure these important bills receive hearings in committee.
Budget Forecast
On Friday, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released its updated budget forecast. This update gives us a clearer picture of the state’s economic outlook and helps lawmakers set the new two-year state budget.
Updated numbers show the state is now looking at a $1.6 billion budget SURPLUS.
Today’s news shows that Minnesota’s economy is beginning to recover from the harmful shutdowns imposed by Governor Walz. This improvement is thanks to the hard work and resilience of Minnesotans.
While there is a lot of work to do before a budget is agreed to, one thing is certain, today's news should take all the proposed tax increases being pushed Governor Walz and Democrats off the table. I will continue to advocate for a reasonable budget that invests in the things that matter most to the Northland while making sure that government shares in the sacrifice that so many had to endure in 2020.
Vaccine Update
Governor Walz announced on Thursday the next phase in Minnesota’s vaccine rollout. The next phase of the vaccine rollout will unfold in four tiers, with vaccines eventually available to anyone age 50 and above and then on to the final phase in the summer when the general public will be able to get the shot.
For more information on this announcement, click here: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/whos-getting-vaccinated/index.jsp
Staying in Touch
Please do not hesitate to contact me. As your representative, it is my duty to listen to your thoughts, questions, and concerns regarding state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4936 or via email at rep.spencer.igo@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Spencer