Legislative Updates

Session Update 2011-2012

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:28:00 GMT

Here is a link to Senator Paul Gazelka's 2011-2012 Session Update. It includes an overview of the legislative biennium.

http://www.gazelkaforsenate.com/Session%20Update%202011-2012.pdf

Todd County Conservatives Meet and Greet May 24, 2012

Wed, 23 May 2012 15:42:00 GMT

Todd County Conservatives is hosting a Meet and Greet in Long Prairie. Senator Gazelka will be there from 1:30-2:30pm. There are more details below.

MEET AND GREET YOUR CANDIDATES
THURSDAY, MAY 24TH, 1:30 TO 3:30 PM
MIKEY’S RESTAURANT, LONG PRAIRIE

-SENATOR PAUL GAZELKA – RE-ELECTION FOR SENATE FROM 1:30 TO 2:30 PM
-LEE BYBERG, U.S. CONGRESS 1:30 TO 3:30 PM
-MARK ANDERSON, 9A HOUSE REP 1:30 TO 3:30
-RON KRESHA, 9B HOUSE REP 1:30 TO 3:30 PM
-AN INVITATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO U.S. SENATE CANDIDATE KURT BILLS, BUT NOT CONFIRMED AS OF YET

HOPE YOU CAN ALL MAKE IT – AND BRING A FRIEND! THE FOOD IS GREAT SO COME AND HAVE A LATE LUNCH TOO!

Letter to the Editor from Susan Schmidt

Wed, 16 May 2012 01:17:00 GMT

Thank you to Senator Gazelka

Posted: May 11, 2012 - 8:03pm

Thank you to Senator Gazelka

I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Senator Paul Gazelka for his leadership as a member of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee in supporting the Legacy Bill (SF 2493) this session. Now, remarkable and special natural areas like the Mississippi River Northwoods habitat complex protection project near Brainerd can be preserved.

Protection of Mississippi River Northwoods provides an opportunity to save a unique natural area for future generations of anglers, hunters, boaters, hikers, bikers and nature lovers to enjoy. That’s just the kind of effort we believe voters had in mind when they passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008. And, it is cause for thanks.

Susan Schmidt

Minnesota State Director

The Trust for Public Land

St. Paul

http://brainerddispatch.com/opinion/open-forum/2012-05-11/thank-you-senator-gazelka

Senator Paul Gazelka during the Vikings Stadium Floor Debate

Thu, 10 May 2012 03:33:00 GMT

Here is a video clip of Senator Paul Gazelka during the Vikings Stadium Floor Debate:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aikRf76qMRg&feature=youtu.be

Senator Gazelka was endorsed as the candidate for SD9

Tue, 08 May 2012 02:57:00 GMT

Senate District 9 held their Endorsing Convention on May 5 at the Town’s Edge Restaurant in Staples, MN. Senator Paul Gazelka was unanimously endorsed for Senate. Mark Anderson was endorsed for 9A House and Ron Kresha was endorsed for 9B House.

Endorsements and Recommendations for Senator Paul Gazelka

Fri, 04 May 2012 22:54:00 GMT

Endorsements and Recommendations for Senator Paul Gazelka

Dear Delegates and Alternates,

It’s hard to believe how fast time has gone by since our historic legislative victories in 2010. With your help, we were able to take back the Minnesota House, and for the first time in 38 years Republicans gained a majority in the Minnesota Senate!

With the 2012 redistricting, I no longer am able to serve the residents of Todd County. I would like to thank you for all your help and your commitment to conservative values and your willingness to serve in our BPOU over the years. It is dedicated members like you that allow for our conservative thoughts and ideals to be realized.

As Chairman of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee, I have worked very closely with Senator Gazelka on a number of issues to reform government and create a better economic climate in our state for businesses. Senator Gazelka has been a leading advocate for environmental permitting reform to expedite and streamline the process in Minnesota and I have been impressed with his results. His leadership has led to the passage of two permitting reform bills that will force the PCA and DNR to move at the speed of businesses. The legislation will create jobs through the private sector and get our economy moving in the right direction.

Senator Gazelka believes in protecting Minnesotans’ right to hunt and fish and has chief authored legislation to allow fishing licenses to be purchased during the event of a future shutdown. He has also chief authored legislation that would allow the hunting of wolves in Minnesota this year during opening firearms deer hunting season.

I am not the only one that is impressed with Senator Gazelka’s leadership and work ethic in our caucus. In less than one year serving in the Senate, Senator Gazelka was elected by his Senate Republican peers to serve as their Assistant Majority Leader.

Senator Gazelka is a true leader and would do an excellent job representing Senate District 9.

Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen – SD11

Sen. Paul Gazelka is a strong advocate for Conservative Republican values. He was a strong supporter of the Photo ID legislation I carried. He also was Chief Author in the Senate of the bill I carried in the House to clarify that according to the Constitution, citizens under guardianship can not vote. In that same bill, we clarified that citizens under limited guardianship may vote under certain qualifications.

Though I don't personally endorse candidates, I can say that Senator Gazelka is a trusted friend and is a strong voice for conservative values in Minnesota.

Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer – House District 16B

I wholeheartedly recommend Senator Paul Gazelka to receive endorsement by Republican delegates in SD9. Senator Gazelka is one of our strongest conservative voices in the State Senate, standing for Right To Life issues, traditional marriage and for creating an environment in Minnesota where business and jobs prosper.
For 2 years, I have worked in the Senate with Paul and value his leadership, input and opinions. Senator Gazelka is a proven conservative, consistent and trustworthy with his votes. He is involved in his community and is actively engaged in the issues which are important to his district and the state.
I work for an insurance agency based in Long Prairie and believe Paul is the candidate who will best represent this area of Minnesota. I highly recommend that Paul Gazelka receive the Republican endorsement for SD9.

Senator Dave Brown, State Senate SD16

Dear Republican Friends,

It has been my honor to serve as your State Senator these past 2 years. As you all well know we are in a battle for the very heart of America. This battle was epitomized in Minnesota this past couple of years as we fought back Governor Dayton’s massive tax increases, the democrats’ auto-pilot spending increases of 27%, and destruction of our traditional family values.

Standing along side me in that fight is Senator Paul Gazelka. Paul is a rock ribbed conservative with that values that you and I all hold so dear. Paul and I entered the Minnesota State Senate as strangers and now, I am proud to not only call him my colleague but also my friend. As you all get to know Paul I believe that you will find that not only can you believe Paul but that you can trust him. Take it from me, in politics, finding people you can trust is rare!

Senator Gazelka linked arms with me and other stalwart conservatives to fight against the onslaught of criticism from the left, the main stream media, and even from some on our own side, to fight against the growth of government that we all know threatens our American ideal.

Paul earned the respect of his fellow conservatives and was elected by his peers to leadership in his freshman term. He has fought against the status quo and has shown courage and a stiff spine to move Minnesota to a state that: • prospers,
• values innocent life,
• protects and defends family values, and most importantly • represents the Minnesota in which our founders believed.

Paul and his wife, Maralee, have passed the test and stood in the light that we know is freedom. I wish I could list all the things that Paul faced head on but, this would turn into a 3 page letter. Paul is the real deal and I ask that you cast your vote to endorse him to be your next Senator. I plan on attending the May 5th endorsing convention and giving my full support to Paul. I look forward to visiting with you all about what a great Senator Paul Gazelka will be for you! I am honored to call you my friends!

In your service,

Senator Gretchen Hoffman – SD10

I have known Paul Gazelka and his wonderful wife Maralee for several years. I was honored to serve with Paul in the legislature and I am proud to call him my friend.

Paul Gazelka is a man of honor and conviction. When it comes to issues of life, the family and our personal liberties, Paul Gazelka not only represents our values; he and Maralee live our values.

I proudly endorse Paul Gazelka for his Republican endorsement and re-election to the Minnesota Senate. I hope you will too.

-Tom Emmer

Dear Senator Gazelka,

I wanted to thank you for all of your considerable assistance, advice and counsel during this past session to help foster economic development while ensuring that Minnesota remains competitive in a global economy.

Minnesota businesses and families must live within a budget. Minnesota faces intense international and national competition for business investment and job creation. To remain competitive we must have a reasonable tax burden while maintaining a well-educated workforce, a 21^st Century infrastructure and a high quality of life. We need to spend our tax dollars wisely and redesign our public programs to ensure a bright future for Minnesota businesses and families.

I especially want to thank you for authoring and being a strong advocate for streamlining the environmental review and permitting process. With your leadership we have addressed the concerns of the business community in a bi-partisan fashion to ensure the government moves at “the speed of commerce” while ensuring the protection of our natural resources and allowing us to remain competitive in a global marketplace.

Thank you for your leadership to ensure that Minnesota businesses remain competitive.

Tony Kwilas

Director, Environmental Policy

Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

"Senator Paul Gazelka is a good friend and a staunch conservative. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Senator Gazelka on a variety of issues in central Minnesota and look forward to working with him in the future."

-Congressman Chip Cravaack – CD8

March, 2012

Dear Fellow Republicans,

I am writing this letter to publicly thank Senator Paul Gazelka for his steadfast support of Minnesota values through his advocacy of the Marriage Amendment.

For 7 years, liberals in both the Minnesota House and Senate were dedicated to denying the Minnesota public from defining marriage as only between “one-man and one-woman.” When then-State Senator Michele Bachmann was the Chief Senate Author, I coordinated public message, initiated the collection of over 200,000 petitions in favor of the constitutional referendum, and later (when Bachmann went to Congress) became the Senate’s Chief Author of the Marriage Amendment.

Believe me, I have known every legislator’s personal view on this critical issue for the past 8 years. Paul Gazelka was not only an early strategist while a State Representative in the House, but later as a state senator, a Co-Author of the Senate bill. He has always been a fearless and outspoken voice for family values, especially when this bill was passed in the Minnesota Senate.

When considering bills that challenge personal, moral integrity, I never had to pause and be concerned how Senator Gazelka would vote. His record is solid.
While others would shrink into the background, Paul was not only a key strategist, but used his tremendous debate skills to advocate for the passage of the Minnesota Marriage Amendment!
And even this year, when Democrats tried to kill the Voter ID Bill and replace the bill with an effort to repeal the Marriage Amendment… Paul Gazelka quickly responded, instructing fellow legislators to preserve the Voter ID Bill and to protect the Marriage Amendment! His leadership at that critical time guarantees both issues will be advancing to the ballot this November!

Despite the sad fact that politics has become more and more a blood sport every election, I am grateful for Senator Paul Gazelka’s dedication to public service and a conservative, principle-centered style of leadership. He has proven himself a good and faithful steward of Minnesota’s family values and deserves your support.

Respectfully,
Senator Warren Limmer

I have had the opportunity to get to know Senator Paul Gazelka and his wife, Maralee, over the last biennium. Senator Gazelka is a strong conservative, both socially and fiscally and I feel privileged to work with Senator Gazelka.

I have also had the honor to get to know Senator Gazelka's wife, Maralee. She has been a great friend and is a true benefit to the legislature. She takes time to visit and pray with the members and staff of both the House and the Senate.

Paul and Maralee are a great team at the Minnesota State Legislature. It is with great honor that I give my endorsement for Senate District 10 to Senator Paul Gazelka.

Rep. Mary Franson – House District 11B

Senator Gazelka to hold Four Townhall Meetings on May 12, 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 22:24:00 GMT

Senator Paul Gazelka to Hold Townhall Meeting at Little Falls VFW

WHO: Senator Paul Gazelka

WHAT: Senator Paul Gazelka will hold a townhall meeting to discuss end of 2012 legislative session.

WHEN: Saturday, May 12 at 9:00 AM

WHERE: Little Falls VFW, 1210 3rd Ave NE, Little Falls, MN 56345

Senator Paul Gazelka and Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen to Hold Townhall Meeting at Long Prairie City Hall

WHO: Senator Paul Gazelka

Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen

WHAT: Senator Paul Gazelka and Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen will hold a townhall meeting to discuss end of 2012 legislative session.

WHEN: Saturday, May 12 at 11:30 AM

WHERE: Long Prairie City Hall, 615 Lake St. S., Long Prairie, MN 56347

Senator Paul Gazelka and Senator Gretchen Hoffman to Hold Townhall Meeting at Pizza Ranch in Wadena

WHO: Senator Paul Gazelka

Senator Gretchen Hoffman

WHAT: Senator Paul Gazelka and Senator Gretchen Hoffman will hold a townhall meeting to discuss end of 2012 legislative session.

WHEN: Saturday, May 12 at 2:00 PM

WHERE: Wadena Pizza Ranch, 106 Jefferson St S., Wadena, MN 56482

Senator Paul Gazelka to Hold Townhall Meeting at Nisswa American Legion

WHO: Senator Paul Gazelka

WHAT: Senator Paul Gazelka will hold a townhall meeting to discuss end of 2012 legislative session.

WHEN: Saturday, May 12 at 5:00 PM

WHERE: Nisswa American Legion, 25807 Main St., Nisswa, MN 56468

Senator Gazelka featured on National Right to Life

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:34:00 GMT

April 25, 2012 Webcam abortion

Senate approves ‘webcam abortion’ ban, 39-25

MCCL-backed bill seeks women’s safety

Minnesota State Sen. Paul Gazelka

ST. PAUL — Legislation to ban “webcam abortions” was approved 39-25 by the Minnesota Senate late yesterday. The women’s safety measure has the strong support of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL), the state’s oldest and largest pro-life organization.

H.F. 2341, authored by Sen. Paul Gazelka, R-Brainerd, would stop dangerous webcam abortions by requiring that a physician be physically present when administering the drugs for a chemical abortion. Webcam abortions involve the RU486 abortion drug, administered via video conference with an abortion provider in another location. The doctor talks with the woman, then presses a button which opens a drawer to remotely dispense the drug.

The doctor is never physically present in a webcam abortion to examine the woman for any problems, such as a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy or any other condition or factor, that would make this abortion procedure especially dangerous for her. Planned Parenthood began offering webcam abortions last year at its Rochester facility; women consult with a doctor in St. Paul.

“This legislation focuses primarily on the life of the mother,” Gazelka said during the floor debate. “Currently in Minnesota, some chemical abortions are being performed without a physician physically present. Instead, the physician is watching via webcam from a different city or location.”

The risks of RU486 can be severe: 14 women are known to have died in the U.S. after taking the drugs, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Last month, an Australian agency disclosed that a woman there died from an infection after taking RU486. A prominent gynecologist and advocate of the drug has called for a review of the drug’s protocol.

At least six states, including North Dakota and Wisconsin, have already enacted webcam abortion bans, and other states are currently working to pass legislation to the same effect. Canada does not permit use of RU486 due to safety concerns.

“RU486 is not an aspirin; it’s not a prescription. It’s dangerous,” Gazelka added. “This [requiring a physician to be present] may not be the most cost-effective way for Planned Parenthood to deliver abortions, but it certainly considers the life of the mother.”

A companion bill was approved in the House on Apr. 18 on a vote of 80-48. The women’s safety measure is expected to be sent to Gov. Mark Dayton soon.

“Governor Dayton should recognize that such a serious and life-altering procedure as abortion deserves the presence of a physician,” said MCCL Legislative Associate Jordan Harris. “His veto would greatly increase the health risks to women who are administered this abortion method remotely without being examined by a physician.”

http://www.nationalrighttolifenews.org/news/2012/04/senate-approves-webcam-abortion-ban-39-25/

Final passage of the Game and Fish bill in the Senate

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:07:00 GMT

Senator Paul Gazelka talks about the final passage of the Game and Fish bill in the Minnesota Senate.

Check out this video clip of Senator Paul Gazelka:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9oSvxOJdR4&feature=bf_prev&list=ULeooOKGVwQl4

SENATOR PAUL GAZELKA COMMENTS ON THE BILL WHICH WOULD REQUIRE A DOCTORS PHYSICAL PRESENCE DURING ANY ABORTION

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:04:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 23, 2012

SENATOR PAUL GAZELKA COMMENTS ON THE BILL WHICH WOULD REQUIRE A DOCTORS PHYSICAL PRESENCE DURING ANY ABORTION.

St. Paul- Minnesota State Senator Paul Gazelka (R-Brainerd) chief authored and passed a bill in the Senate Monday which would require the physical presence of a doctor during any abortion procedure. This includes the administration of the RU-486 abortion pill. The doctor would then make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the patient return 12-18 days after the pill was taken to confirm that the pregnancy had been terminated and assess the patient's medical condition.

Check out the comment about this legislation at Senator Gazelka's Youtube Channel at http://youtu.be/eooOKGVwQl4

Also there are three MP3 attachments by Senator Gazelka below:

Clip 1

Clip 2
Clip3

Session Update - April 13, 2012

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:12:00 GMT

Good Afternoon,

Attached is the most recent Session Update with highlights of some of last week's events. Below is a link to my reaction on Governor Dayton's veto of the school repayment shift that we passed through the legislature. Because of his veto, the school repayment shift will not be repaid this year, though we replenished our budget reserves and with the surplus had enough to pay back our schools.

Also attached is a link with a pie chart breakdown of where our general fund dollars come from, and where they are spent.

Warmest Regards,

Paul Gazelka

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9QE4AMkLoQ&feature=youtu.be

http://www.mmb.state.mn.us/doc/budget/report-pie/general-mar11.pdf

Session Update - April 13, 2012

Minnesota On A Prosperous Path

Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) announced late Tuesday that Minnesota’s economic rebound continues. The February forecast showed great improvement in the state’s budget but new figures released Tuesday show the net general fund revenues were up 4.4 percent over the recent February forecast.

Tuesday’s announcement shows the state took in $106 million more than originally anticipated for February and March. Furthermore, Minnesota’s unemployment rate is now 2.6 percentage points below the national unemployment rate average. Republicans remain focused on economic recovery and job growth – a direction that has been reinforced by these recent successes.

Dayton Vetoes Another Jobs Bill

Gov. Mark Dayton on Monday vetoed a bill local legislators authored to protect successor companies from suffering undue asbestos liability in certain cases.

Specifically, the Innocent Successor Asbestos-Related Liability Fairness Act (S.F. 1236) would limit the liability of successor companies in acquisitions that took place before 1972 – the year the federal government began regulating asbestos as a health risk – but only if that company did not manufacture asbestos after the merger.

The job provider that brought this issue to the bill’s authors’ attention employs hundreds of Minnesotans – a reality that is threatened by the continued costs they are forced to pay.

The bill would have continued to allow victims of asbestos related diseases access to the $38.6 billion asbestos fund created by companies who actually made or distributed asbestos products.

Courts Rule Child Care Union Election By Executive Order Unconstitutional

Ramsey County Judge Dale Lindman’s ruled late last week that Governor Mark Dayton exceeded his authority in ordering a union election for certain in-home child-care providers. Judge Lindman’s ruling was on the side of Minnesota small business owners, the providers who filed the suit. The Minnesota Senate filed an amicus brief in support of those child care providers, expressing deep concern over the Governor’s desire to create law through executive order.

Republicans will continue to listen to Minnesota families and job creators and work hard on their behalf to prevent government overreach into their lives and businesses.

Photo ID

Last week, the Senate voted to pass the Photo ID amendment. Last year, Governor Dayton vetoed the bill as legislation, and the Senate's final vote last week ensured that this measure will be voted on by the people of Minnesota.

SENATOR GAZELKA HAS TWO BILLS PASS OFF THE FLOOR OF THE SENATE

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:05:00 GMT

March 27, 2012

SENATOR PAUL GAZELKA HAS TWO BILLS HE CHIEF AUTHORED - ONE REQUIRING LONGER RESIDENCY BEFORE COLLECTING WELFARE BENEFITS AND ONE ENSURING THE ABILITY TO BE ABLE TO BUY A HUNTING OR FISHING LICENSE IN THE EVENT OF A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN PASSED IN THE SENATE TODAY.

St. Paul- Minnesota State Senator Paul Gazelka (R-Brainerd) spoke on the his bill to change the length of time a person needs to have established residency in Minnesota before they are eligible to begin collecting public assistance welfare from the state. The bill, SF 1835, would change the residency requirement to receive Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) and General Assistance (GA) from 30 days to 60 days.

SF 1911, dubbed the Freedom to Hunt and Fish Act of 2012 would make provisions for hunters and fishermen to be able to buy their licenses in the event of a government shutdown.

Please find two MP3 attachments by Senator Gazelka.

http://www.gazelkaforsenate.com/032712_Gazelka_Residency_Requirements_.mp3

http://www.gazelkaforsenate.com/032712_Gazelka_Hunt_Fish_.mp3

Representative LeMieur and Senator Gazelka Announce Passage of bill to simplify school Food Service equipment purchases

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:14:00 GMT

For Immediate Release: March 26, 2012

Representative LeMieur and Senator Gazelka Announce Passage of bill to simplify school Food Service equipment purchases

St. Paul – A bill that would simplify the process for school districts seeking to purchase food service equipment was passed through the Senate today and sent to Governor Dayton for his signature. House File 2376 was carried in the House by Representative Mike LeMieur (R-Little Falls) and in the Senate by Senator Paul Gazelka (R-Brainerd).

“This bill removes another unnecessary bureaucratic step standing in the way of school districts,” said Representative LeMieur. “Voters sent us here to simplify the governmental process and remove overlap and that is exactly what this bill does.”

Currently in state statute, capital expenditures for the purchase of food service equipment must first be approved by the Minnesota Department of Education to be made from the food service fund. This bill simplifies the food service equipment process by removing the requirement for department approval. House File 2376 was passed with unanimous support from both the House and Senate.

"Representative LeMieur and I would like to thank Gail Johnson from Little Falls Community High School for bringing this to our attention. This is a common sense bill that returns more local control to schools by allowing them to purchase food service equipment for the local school district without having to ask for permission from a government agency in St. Paul," said Senator Gazelka. “This bill will make the process more straightforward and will once again bring the control to the local level.”

Supporters of this bill include the Minnesota Rural Education Association, the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials, the Minnesota School Nutrition Association and the Minnesota Department of Education.

Session Update - March 26, 2012

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 01:54:00 GMT

3-26-2012 Session Update

Election Integrity

On Friday, March 23 the Minnesota State Senate passed the constitutional amendment to require a photo ID to vote by a vote of 36-30. Currently voter fraud is extremely difficult to detect as well as prevent. In many cases today’s election system is unable to identify ineligible voters until after their ballots have already been cast. Requiring an ID to vote is a much more effective way to allow only eligible voters to cast a ballot and prevent voter fraud. Every illegitimate vote disenfranchises a legitimate voter. Not only do the overwhelming majority (70% or more) of Minnesotans want to require a photo ID to vote, it's simply the right thing to do and I am proud of my colleagues for standing up to protect our democratic process.

Education

On Tuesday the Senate Education Committee approved a bill to pay back 2011 borrowing from school aid payments -- the remaining approximately $415 million that was part of the shift in the timing of payments to school districts in last year’s budget compromise. The legislation would return the shift to the amount when Republicans took legislative majority, and will leave well over one-half billion dollars in the state's budget reserve and cash-flow accounts. The state has not had that much cash on hand since 2008.

To end last year’s politically charged and unnecessary state shutdown, the Legislature agreed with Gov. Dayton to borrow $700 million against the state school budget, adding to an existing $2 billion school aid shift. Since then, Minnesota’s budget has grown out of a $5 billion budget deficit to positive balance of $323 million, on top of an $876 million positive forecast last November which was moved automatically into budget and cash flow accounts.

If Gov. Dayton agrees to make school budgets a priority, undoing last year’s shift will help districts manage their cash flow and replenish their reserves. The school shift will then return to 70-30, the same as when Republicans took majority in the House and Senate in 2011.

Jobs

Last week Senate Republicans rolled out an omnibus jobs/tax relief package in Tax Committee. Senate File 1972 provides tax relief of over $102 million in Fiscal Year 2013 for families and job creators. Two-thirds of the $102 million relief is for individual income taxpayers and the total tax relief over the next three years is $393 million.

Tax relief for businesses and job creators makes more capital available for investment, equipment, expansion and additional employees. This is the type of legislation, a true jobs bill, which will help to grow the private sector economy. It makes long term, sustainable changes to improve the jobs climate, not just short term fixes. The provisions in Senate File 1972 send a signal to entrepreneurs, investors and job creators that Minnesota is open for business.

The jobs package passed out of Taxes Committee Thursday and its next stop is the Senate floor for a vote.

Property Taxes

I recently read an article in the Brainerd Dispatch most of you have probably seen. If you haven't, though, I'd highly recommend this article:

http://brainerddispatch.com/news/2012-03-22/crow-wing-county-explains-property-tax-process

This does a great job of explaining the many different factors involved in changes to property taxes not just on the county level but as a whole. We've heard from state legislators and people in government on all levels that because of the elimination of the Market Value Credit in 2011 the state has taken from homeowners, businesses, renters and farmers about $260 million. This is just not accurate, as this article will explain.

I would personally like to thank our local government officials who serve on the school boards, townships, cities and counties who understood last fall as they set their budgets that the Market Value Credit would be replaced with the Market Value Exclusion. They understand that property taxes are a result of the budgets and spending they set, and they do so responsibly and in conjunction with the budget that the state sets during legislative sessions.

Should you have more questions or would like more info relating to this, please don't hesitate to ask.

Moving in Committee:

The bill that will end Minnesota’s strict “Last In, First Out” (LIFO) standard for layoffs of teachers that addresses only seniority and not performance has been in conference committee last week. This legislation would authorize schools to base layoff decisions on effectiveness before seniority, letting them keep quality teachers in the classroom. Senators and Representatives continue to meet in conference committee to work out the differences between their two versions of the bill.

SENATOR PAUL GAZELKA COMMENTS ON THE VOTER ID BILL PASSING OUT OF THE MINNESOTA SENATE TONIGHT - March 23, 2012

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 13:59:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 23, 2012

SENATOR PAUL GAZELKA COMMENTS ON THE VOTER ID BILL PASSING OUT OF THE MINNESOTA SENATE TONIGHT.

(ST. PAUL) - Today, a bill to give Minnesotans the chance to weigh in on whether a photo ID should be required to vote was passed by the Minnesota State Senate.

Please find attached one MP3 audio file by Senator Gazelka:

http://www.gazelkaforsenate.com/032312GAZELKA_VoterID_PASS1.mp3

Here are two additional articles about Voter ID passing the Senate. Both include quotes from Senator Paul Gazelka.

Articles:

http://hometownsource.com/2012/03/23/photo-id-constitutional-amendment-passes-republican-senate/

http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/144055456.html