Dear Neighbors,
It’s been a busy three weeks at the state capitol in St. Paul as I have been working hard to represent our community and bring our best days to reality. Committee work has begun in earnest as bills start to move through the process.
One bill that has garnered some early attention is legislation that would repay a portion of the state’s depleted Unemployment Insurance (UI) fund. Unfortunately, the bill being pushed in the House would result in a massive six-year tax increase on Minnesota businesses.
With inflation soaring to 40-year highs, supply chain issues, workforce challenges, and more, we need to make sure businesses are not hit with six years of higher taxes at a time when Minnesota has a record-setting $7.7 billion surplus.
I will be pushing hard to make sure that these tax increases do not hit our local small businesses.
The deadline is March 14th to get this done.
Gray Wolf Update
Last week, we received word that a United States district court ruling from California has put gray wolves back on the endangered species list. This means that wolf hunts will be put on pause indefinitely here in Minnesota.
Once again, coastal elite judges are telling Minnesota what's best in our own state. Over the past decade Minnesota has surpassed the state’s wolf population goal by wide margins, which was completely ignored by the court ruling.
We know our state far better than a judge from California. We need these interlopers to butt out, let Minnesota retain control over its wildlife, and for our federal delegation to step up and right this wrong.
Freedom Flag Bill
On Tuesday, I introduced legislation that would designate the Freedom Flag as an official state symbol of remembrance for the American lives lost during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
The attacks of September 11th, 2001 were an attack on our freedom, liberty, and the American way of life. This flag, like other flags and symbols, would serve as a lasting reminder of the lives lost that day as well as the national unity that was shown in the days that followed. Approving this legislation will affirm Minnesota’s promise that we will never forget.
The Freedom Flag was designed by a Richmond, VA business owner in November 2001 and contains 10 elements that honor the lives lost on 9/11. Click here to learn more about the flag.
Staying in Touch
I will do my best to keep you updated on what’s happening in St. Paul. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have. I can be I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4936 or via email at rep.spencer.igo@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Spencer