Legislative Update

2012-05-25

A Memorial Day Note: 

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone. I would encourage everyone to take a moment this Monday as we celebrate Memorial Day to take time and remember the sacrifice of our military men and women who have given so much of their lives for our country. We are able to live in the greatest country in the world because of these brave men and women. We must remember that "freedom isn't free and the land of the free is never out of debt to the brave"! 

In other news…last week the Governor vetoed our second tax relief bill. We presented him with the Tax Relief and Job Creation Act earlier this session and he vetoed that. So author, House Tax Committee Chairman Greg Davids, put together another bill that fixed many issues the governor had raised after his veto of the first bill. Below is a recent letter to the editor I submitted with my response to this veto. 

Veterans and Rural Job Creation Lose with Governor’s Tax Veto 

Governor Dayton vetoed the second tax relief bill, HF 247 and several regulation relief bills that were sent to him this session. I am deeply disappointed with these decisions. This bill contained many positive provisions for rural Minnesota, including a Veterans jobs tax credit for companies hiring Veterans, a grant for the Greater Minnesota Internship program providing opportunities for college students and employers to connect as well as property tax relief for more homeowners through the Property Tax Relief program and freezing the statewide property tax for small businesses. 

In addition to the rural tax incentives, the bill included thousands of new construction jobs with a TIF provision for a mega expansion at our state’s Mall of America. There were multiple provisions the governor had asked for, and also included policy that state agencies requested along with some provisions authored by members of the DFL party. I am baffled as to why the governor chose not to sign this bill. It’s apparent that the governor chose to put the DFL political priorities ahead of Minnesota’s employees and job creators. It is astounding and Minnesotan’s need to know! If job creation and economic growth don’t remain priorities for Minnesota, we can close the door to competition and economic development in our state. 

Tax relief is important in Minnesota and we need to ensure that we don’t burden Minnesota’s business owners with undue regulations and mandates. If we have the opportunity to provide them with the tools to grow their businesses in Minnesota, then we need to jump at that opportunity. It is disappointing that the governor and the DFL constantly hold tight to tax increases and burdensome regulations on businesses instead of job growth and tax relief. 

The governor officially put a sign on Minnesota that says “temporarily closed for business”. 

Sincerely, 

Torrey

Update From Representative Westrom

2012-01-19

I trust everyone had a great Christmas. With the new year beginning session is right around the corner starting on January 24th. I am looking forward to returning to St. Paul and introducing reforms that will improve our economy and encourage job growth. Many of the legislators in the House and Senate have been working this past fall/winter. We want to bring forward much needed common sense reforms that we will be rolling out in the coming weeks to try and re-size, re-shape and reduce the bureaucracy of state and local government in Minnesota. 

I would like to continue hearing from you. Please send me any ideas that you may have. You can contact me by email at rep.torrey.westrom@house.mn or by calling my office at 651-296-4929. 

I would also encourage you to 'like' my Facebook page and keep up-to-date with the 2012 legislative session. 

I look forward to hearing your ideas. 

Warm Regards, 

Torrey

Merry Christmas From Representative Westrom

2011-12-20

As we approach the Christmas holiday it is my hope that you will enjoy the many blessings of family and friends. The holiday season lets us find joy in the little things, and gives us the confidence that a brighter future lies just over the horizon. 

With the legislative session just around the corner, my door is always open and I look forward to the many conversations I will have with many of you in the coming year. Please don’t hesitate to swing by my office or give me a call with any concerns or ideas you have. I look forward to 2012 and all that we can accomplish together. 

Whether you plan to travel this holiday season or stay in the area, I hope that you drive safely and enjoy your time with your family and friends wherever you go. From the Westrom Family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

Warm Regards, 

Torrey