Dear Neighbors,
Summer is finally here, and with it, the end of session. By all accounts this was a year for the record books. I’m proud to be a part of this historic year and I would like to thank you all for your continued support and input. This year would not have happened if it weren’t for the involvement and voices of constituents like you!
1. Highway 65 Funding - Reconstruction on the Horizon!
- In total I secured $102.75 million across three bills for the construction and improvement of Highway 65.
- This was the top priority for me and our community and I’m happy to say that we delivered on historic funding this year!
- The funding is spread across three bills; $68.75 million in the Transportation Bill, $25 million in HF 669 (bonding capital investment), and $9 million in HF 670 (cash capital investment). This will be enough to begin construction on the intersections at 99th Ave, 105th Ave, and 109th Ave. More details on the construction timeline will be forthcoming from the city and county.
2. Passage of the Tax Bill - Cutting Taxes for Minnesotans
- As Vice Chair of the Tax Committee, I helped pass the largest tax cut in state history!
- Based on voter feedback, I worked to pass a “supercharged” targeted property tax refund for homeowners who see a big property tax spike and updated the limits for the Homestead Market Value Exclusion.
- Rep. Lislegard and I led the push that eliminated the tax on Social Security benefits for the vast majority of older Minnesotans
- And I’m excited about the new Child Tax Credit that will cut childhood poverty in Minnesota by a third!
3. Bonding dollars for the National Sports Center
- The bonding bill contained $9.6 million for the National Sports Center.
- With over $40 million in deferred maintenance, this money will go a long way toward ensuring the facility remains competitive with other facilities popping up around the country. The NSC is a key driver of Blaine’s economy and a central focus of the city’s development plans.
- The National Sports Center also received money to install solar arrays on the ice arena, which will significantly reduce energy costs for the facility and save money in the long run.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.matt.norris@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-2907. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and follow my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Matt Norris, District 32B
507 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155