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Legislative Update
Friends and Neighbors,
Merry Christmas! I’ve loved the chance to connect with so many of you over the last few weeks at Christmas Parties, Community Events, and buying groceries for Christmas dinner.
Speaking of events, thank you to the 400+ hunters and ranchers who attended the Wolf Predation meeting this week at the Morrill Hall. It is incredible to see the groundswell of grassroots support to delist the gray wolf from the Endangered Species List as we push for state management of the wolf population rather than the broken promises coming from the federal government which refuses to appropriately manage the wolf population despite the fact the population of wolves has more than doubled and fully recovered here in the Great Lakes States. Minnesota needs to reclaim its authority to manage the wolf population and hold a wolf hunt season to protect our deer hunting heritage and our farmers and ranchers whose livestock are constantly threatened by the growing wolf presence. There are a few upcoming area events in January if you’re interested in learning more:
Wolf Predation Meetings:
- Little Falls: Friday, January 12th 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Little Falls High School Auditorium
- Isle: Saturday, January 13th 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Isle High School
- St. Cloud: January 21st 3:00 to 5:00 PM St. Cloud Eagles Club
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As we approach the start of the new year, it's important to be aware of some new laws that will take effect on January 1st. Unfortunately, many of these laws will increase expenses for Minnesotans in the new year.
The transportation cost increases will be in the form of an increase in vehicle registration fees and a gas tax inflator. When renewing vehicle registration online or at a DVS station, the formula will result in higher prices, especially in the first few years of a vehicle's life. I just renewed my tabs for my 2018 Chevy Impala and as an example, the previous $215 cost will likely increase by about $85. This will cost Minnesotans an additional 788 million dollars over the next four years. This is after the motor vehicle sales tax increase has already raised prices in Minnesota.
Transportation costs will continue to rise every year due to the legislation that ties the gas tax to inflation. This means the gas tax will increase automatically every year based on the rate of inflation without any input from the legislature. This will lead to an added cost of $423 million at the gas pump and will continue to increase in the years to come. These added transportation costs aren't the only new laws that will impact Minnesotans' finances.
The implementation of the Earned Sick and Safe Time mandate will lead to many businesses adjusting their payroll to fund this progressive policy. Next year this mandate with a 2.9 billion dollar price tag goes into effect. This program mandates a one-size-fits-all policy for sick leave on all Minnesota employers from small businesses, to schools, to townships.
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As we approach the joyous season of Christmas, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to everyone in Central Minnesota and our Military Servicemembers abroad. I’m excited to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ who came to Earth some two thousands years ago. Let’s not forget the true reason for the season. May this season be filled with joy, peace, and happiness, and may the new year bring you success and prosperity in all your endeavors. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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Stay Up-to-Date
Follow me on Twitter @ImSchultz and check out my official Facebook Page for daily updates on the important issues at the capitol.
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/RepIsaacSchultz
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201 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
651.296.6746 |
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