May 24, 2010, Legislative Update
The 2010 Legislative Session ended last week with a bipartisan agreement to responsibly balance the state budget deficit. Because the deal was reached so late in the day on Sunday, by mutual agreement the Governor called us into a very short special session so that we had time to analyze the agreement, get input from our constituents, and debate it on the floor before passing the bill and sending it to the Governor for his signature.
Despite the difficult choices required during the session, we were able to protect Minnesota schools from direct budget cuts and protect Minnesotans most in need. We also took major steps to put our economy back on track and helped put thousands of Minnesotans back to work with two major jobs bills that will get workers back on the job and level the playing field for Minnesota small business.
Below are several of the major bills passed during the 2010 Legislative Session. Please continue to contact me in the coming weeks and months with your ideas, comments and concerns. I always look forward to hearing from you.
HF 1 - Budget Balancing Bill
HF 3702 - Omnibus Energy and Environment Bill
HF 3795 - Flood Relief to Minnesota Communities
The Small Business Caucus I co-founded this session took major steps to help create a more favorable business climate in Minnesota. Of the eight pieces of legislation we crafted to help small businesses grow, prosper, and hire new workers, seven are now law.
In 2010, the Small Business Caucus sought the input of small business owners from across the state. That input helped articulate the many challenges and opportunities facing small businesses, and helped shape new policies to make our state an even better place to do business. You can see the results of the statewide small business survey here.
Below is a list of some of the bills passed in 2010 that will make Minnesota’s business climate more favorable for Minnesota’s small businesses.
Angel Investor Tax Credit
A 25% tax credit for investments in qualified small high tech businesses.
Enhanced Research and Development Tax Credits
Additional funding for the existing Research & Development Credits.
Comparative Study of State Regulations
Studies state business regulations in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Fast-Action Economic Response Team
Requires DEED to establish a fast-action economic response team to contact businesses at risk of leaving the state or have an opportunity to expand within the state.
Science and Technology Authority
Established to develop a technology based economic development strategy and guide investments, incentives and programs to make Minnesota more competitive.
Streamline Permitting
Requires government units to avoid duplication and ensure coordination between state and federal agencies regarding environmental review and permitting.
Permitting Efficiency and Goal Report
The Department of Agriculture now has a stated goal to issue or deny environmental and resource management permits within 150 days of the submission of a completed permit application.
Minnesota Entrepreneur Resource Vital Network
DEED is directed to seek private funds to develop, maintain and market a virtual network to provide seamless access to statewide resources and expertise for entrepreneurs and existing businesses.
Addressing Local Gaps in Workforce Training
Requires DEED to develop an ongoing process to identify and address local gaps in workforce services and develop a standard set of approaches for assessing the outcomes of workforce programs that compare participants and nonparticipants.
Solar Panel Rebate Program
Provides rebates to homeowners and businesses of up to 60% of the cost of the purchase and installation of Minnesota-made solar panels.
Property Assessed Clean Energy
Allows local governments to offer a program where a homeowner or small business can elect to finance renewable energy or energy efficiency projects on their property.
Minneapolis/St. Paul Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Program
Allows Minneapolis and St. Paul to expand an energy conservation program that currently exists for residential properties to include commercial and industrial properties.