NC Minnesota News

With the state’s 2020 legislative session now under way, Minnesota Senate Republicans have been working to promote tax relief for constituents.

“I’m ready for tax relief for Minnesotans, especially the elimination of social security income tax,” Sen. Andrew Mathews told the North Central Minnesota News. “Additionally, I would love for us to continue to clean up state agencies, like the Department of Human Services. Government should serve the people well, and bloated bureaucracy simply does not do that.”

Mathews, whose district includes Benton, Kanabec, Mille Lac, Morrison, Sherburne and Wright counties, emphasized the need to address issues in more rural areas.

“It’s important to remember that outstate MN is just as important as the metro,” Mathews said. “I’m pushing for better roads and the continuance of wastewater infrastructure projects in our rural communities. I will always do my best to remind the legislature that these communities are an integral part of our state.”

In a separate news release from the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus, Mathews said that district bonding requests also will be a priority. One is for the City of Becker, which is in the running to receive bonding funds to construct and equip infrastructure to serve its proposed business park, which would include wastewater and sewage systems.

Another bonding request is for the City of Foley, to upgrade its wastewater system.

“I’m optimistic about this session,” Mathews said. “I have been listening closely to feedback from my district, and I look forward to advocating for their interests in St. Paul.”

Mathews, who was elected to the Senate in 2016, serves as Vice Chair on the Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy committee, and also is assigned to the Environment and Natural Resources, Health and Human Services, and Local Government committees.