Dear Neighbors,
On Tuesday, legislation I have authored received a committee hearing in the House Taxes Committee. House File 4892 exempts sales and use taxes for materials purchased by the Browerville Public School District for renovations to the prekindergarten through grade 12 school building and construction of a new gymnasium, classrooms, locker rooms, a wrestling and weight room, offices, and a stage.
Last April, school officials were forced to demolish the high school's gym after damage to the roof following a snowstorm.
This legislation is a way to help defray some of the costs associated with these important projects for the Browerville School District. By working to lower the costs of construction, we can help save taxpayers money and make sure it is easier for the district to make these improvements that will serve students, teachers, staff, and the entire community.
Thank you to Superintendent, Scott Vedbraaten, for traveling to St. Paul on Tuesday to testify in support of this bill.
Session Continues
In addition to Tuesday’s committee hearing, much of our week was spent on the House Floor debating a variety of bills including an elections bill that was unable to garner any support from Republicans.
Historically, any changes to election policy in Minnesota were only done with bipartisan support. This is important so that neither political party can claim an unfair advantage over the other. Enacting partisan elections policy with virtually zero support from the minority party is extremely concerning.
Unfortunately, we have seen this long-standing tradition erode since Gov. Walz took office in 2018.
There were several concerning provisions in the bill including one that allows voters to describe where they’re living while filling out a voter registration form rather than listing an actual address.
This sort of change is a recipe for voter fraud. Just think that all you will have to do is claim you live in the gray house near Main Street and they’ll hand you a ballot.
The bill also does nothing to guarantee people will live in a proposed Senate or House district when it comes to redistricting; fails to stop nonprofits that receive government funds from using that money for campaigns; and fails to add safeguards that will prevent illegal immigrants from voting in Minnesota’s election.
Minnesotans deserve to know that elections are free, fair and that safeguards are in place to prevent voter fraud. This bill does the opposite.
Staying in Touch
As always, please communicate to me any thoughts, questions, or concerns you may have. Please never hesitate to reach out to me whether it’s via phone or email. I can be reached at 651-296-4293 or via email at rep.mike.wiener@house.mn.gov. It would be an honor to speak with you.
Until next time, have a great weekend,
Mike