Woodard on Voter ID, Tax Relief and Job Creation

Action picked up on the floor last week as we passed important bills, including one which allows Minnesotans to decide whether voters should be required to provide photo identification. After nine hours of active debate on the House floor, voters will be asked this simple question in November:

“Should the Minnesota Constitution be amended to require all voters to present valid photo identification on election day and that the state provide free identification to eligible voters?”

This initiative to ensure voter integrity is widely popular in Minnesota, with surveys routinely showing support of 70 to 80 percent of Minnesotans. We must of course make sure all eligible citizens are afforded an opportunity to cast a legal vote. A number of measures are in place to ensure exactly that. In addition to providing free photo-ID cards to those who need one, voters may also cast a provisional ballot if they are unable to present an ID at the polling place.

Another bill we passed in the House last week is the Tax Relief and Job Creation Act (H.F. 2337). It is a package of measures designed to make Minnesota more attractive to new businesses and provide an environment where existing businesses can expand.

Minnesota’s business property tax rate ranks among the nation’s highest. One of the most important aspects of this bill is a 12-year phase-out of the statewide commercial property tax. Small-business owners have told me time and again that this onerous tax limits their ability to invest in their operations.

The tax bill also provides for a tax credit for businesses that hire veterans and an elimination of a requirement for small businesses to pay their sales taxes to the state before they even make a sale!

I appreciate the input I have received regarding voter integrity and for your ideas to create innovative ways for our small businesses to thrive in Minnesota.

Sincerely,
Rep. Kelby Woodard

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