MAPCED, Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers

 

 
 
 


2010 Legislative Platform

MAPCED recommends the following MAPCED  2010 Legislative Platform which focuses on job creation as there is a lack of a statewide economic development strategy

Sales Tax Exemptions: Many smaller manufacturing businesses do not take advantage of the Sales Tax exemption on equipment because the taxes are reimbursed.  The Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers supports that this sales tax exemption be provided at the time of purchase.

Alternative Energy Assistance: Minnesota is a leader in the production of alternative fuels including E85 and Bio-Diesel. The Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers supports all alternative energy options and supports incentives such as producer payments and credits for all technology and technology development to aid these new industries as the State did with Ethanol and Bio-Diesel. 

Transportation: The Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers supports long-term, sustainable funding streams that provide the necessary resources for a safe, integrated statewide transportation system. This will enable manufacturers to produce products and transport them all over the world and create more jobs throughout the State.

Bio Science Technologies: The Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers supports substantial increased investments in the Minnesota Bio-Business Alliance Destination 2025.

Rural Workforce Education: The Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers supports a state initiative to provide the necessary training for a workforce that will sustain the growing needs of the aging population in rural Minnesota.

Rapid Investment in Business Program: The Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers supports a new State-wide investment program for businesses that either locate or expand in the State. The program could include income tax credits for “angel investors,” sales tax exemptions, Real Estate incentives, tax credits for wage/knowledge improvements.

Minnesota Marketing: The Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers supports Statewide Minnesota Marketing Program and recommends that state appropriate a minimum of $3 million  to be competitive with other states marketing efforts or at a minimum and effort such at the MAPCED Marketing Campaign.

High-Speed Broadband: In order to support the growing needs of business and business related high speed communication and technologies, MAPCED supports the development of a State office in the Department of Commerce to coordinate a long-term high-speed and broadband communications program.

Economic Development Programs: The Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers supports the continuation and investment in the following programs using proceeds from the State Lottery as was originally intended by the enabling legislation:

  • Greater Minnesota Business Development Infrastructure Grant Program: Due to limitations of bond funds for public infrastructure projects, the Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers supports $50 million from a State bond allocation to be directed to the Greater Minnesota Business Development Infrastructure Grant Program. The grant funds will be used to construct water, sewer, and street improvements to accommodate opportunities for business expansions and new business park developments in Greater Minnesota.
     
  • Redevelopment Fund: The Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers support $50 million of non-bond fund sources to the Redevelopment Fund from the general fund.  The grant funds will be used to assist communities with redeveloping substandard and/or blighted areas.
     
  • Minnesota Investment Fund: The Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers supports an allocation of $50 million to the Minnesota Investment Fund for business loans to assist expanding companies with equipment purchases, building construction and infrastructure improvements.
     
  • MEAD Employment Program:  The Minnesota Association of professional County Economic Developers believes any job stimulus plan should: take effect quickly; target unemployed workers; anticipate and address future workforce needs; promote regional competitiveness; and be fiscally responsible.  Many unemployed workers would benefit from increased access to short-term opportunities allowing them to utilize or improve their current skills while searching for a permanent job. MAPCED supports the implementation of an emergency jobs program, providing a wage subsidy to employers who make available opportunities to unemployed workers by creating a new job which pays a competitive wage and incorporates a plan to upgrade the worker’s current skills.
     
  • State Statute 469.191: This statue limits the amount a city can contribute to any incorporated development organization to promote economic development to $50,000.  Due to the lack of funding in State programs, local organizations are having to provide more funding for economic development programs.  MAPCED recommends repealing Minnesota Statue 469.191.

PROMOTING THE ROLE OF COUNTIES IN FOSTERING ECONOMIC GROWTH, AN EXPANDED TAX BASE, AND TO ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE

Download a printable version of the 2010 Legislative Platform (click here)
 

 


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