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By Dan Sparks

State Senator, District 27

With just under three weeks left until the Minnesota Legislature adjourns, there is still work to be finished. The COVID-19 crisis remains the foremost challenge facing our state, but there are other tasks we must complete before session ends on May 18. Under the new normal of virtual meetings and remote voting, we are working hard to support workers, small businesses, farmers, and Minnesota’s economy.

Finding ways to support workers is a high priority as we continue to see the effects of COVID-19. Over the past couple of weeks, several hog processing plants have been forced to shut down as outbreaks of the virus occurred in their plants. With their closures, hog producers throughout the state have been forced to euthanize thousands of hogs. These events have further devastated the agricultural industry, which was already struggling. Governor Tim Walz and Congressman Collin Peterson spoke in Worthington this past week, stressing the need for action on this important issue.

Locally, I’ve been in contact with Hormel Foods and UFCW Local 9 about the steps being taken at the Hormel plant to protect workers and prevent such an outbreak in our community. I’ve also spoken with Gov. Tim Walz, and I’m pleased that he and Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson are actively engaged and closely monitoring the situation. It’s critical to make sure that we address the immediate difficulties the industry is up against while staying ready to respond to any further problems.

On Thursday the Senate passed a tax bill focused on providing economic relief. It includes conformity with several federal tax laws, including Section 179 expensing, which would be a big help for many farmers and small businesses. It also extends the due date for statewide business property taxes to July 15, extends the due date for June accelerated sales tax payments to July 20, and makes federal funds from the Paycheck Protection Program tax-exempt. The bill also lowers tax rates on charitable gambling. Many non-profit organizations in our communities participate in charitable gambling and use the proceeds to make a difference locally. Lower rates would enable more dollars to flow back into our communities and make a positive impact close to home.

Passing a strong bonding bill would also rejuvenate Minnesota’s economy. This past week the Senate Capital Investment Committee held a hearing on how the state’s transportation needs fit into this year’s bonding bill. With a significant decrease expected in gas tax revenue, much of the focus was on our roads and bridges, but also on state airports and harbors. I fully support including these types of projects in the bill. We also should invest in other fundamental infrastructure needs such as wastewater treatment, our colleges and universities, and shovel-ready projects that will spur economic development.

This coming week the legislature will receive an update from the Office of Minnesota Management and Budget about the impact of COVID-19 on the state’s finances. This information will shape how we wrap up the legislative session, and how we continue to address the ongoing challenges facing our state.