Dear Neighbors,
It’s been another busy week in St. Paul as I work hard to represent you, your family, and our Northland at the State Capitol. I am always so inspired when I step foot on the floor of the House of Representatives. It truly is an honor to serve you as—together—we bring our best days to reality.
Thanks to those of you that attended the rally to support and witness the passage of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the new Huber Engineered Woods plant that is going to be constructed in Cohasset.
This project will leave a positive generational impact not only providing jobs but also in keeping our forests and community healthy with good forest management. Let’s not forget also fabricating the wood products for the next generation of homes!
It was a privilege to be part of passing legislation to bring this project to our home. A huge thanks to all those involved in bringing the project to reality. My colleagues Senator Tom Bakk and Senator Justin Eichorn, the whole team at Itasca Economic Development Corporation, APEX, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Minnesota Power, Itasca County, the city of Cohasset, and the countless others who were instrumental in this process!
Also, to all those from the community, from our friends in labor, loggers, area residents, and supporters who showed up to provide support. We are excited to partner with Huber and bring these jobs to our community!
Rising Energy Costs
It is no surprise that energy prices are now at the front of mind for all of us in Minnesota. As a member of the energy committee, I will continue to advocate for an all of the above energy approach and work to have the conversation on what we can do to alleviate rising prices that are burdening all of us.
This means thinking outside the box and working on a larger scale to return energy independence to our country and our state. We cannot be reliant on foreign powers for our nation’s security and our livelihoods.
Stopping Tax Increases
This Monday is the deadline for approving legislation that would prevent businesses from seeing a massive tax increase due to issues related to the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) fund. The House majority’s inaction on this important issue is putting thousands of businesses in jeopardy.
While there is a bill to repay the unemployment insurance trust fund and prevent these tax increases from taking effect—it is instead being slow-played by the House majority, even though it's supported by Governor Walz, House Republicans, Senate Republicans, and most Senate Democrats. The bill passed the Senate weeks ago on a bipartisan, veto-proof vote but has been stuck in the House Ways and Means Committee and is still not scheduled to receive a hearing.
With a $9.3 billion budget surplus, we have more than enough resources to do the right thing and completely replenish this fund. Small businesses across the Northland cannot afford to wait any longer, the clock is ticking.
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