ST. PAUL, MN - On Wednesday, Governor Dayton signed the supplemental budget bill, HF2749, into law. The language included a $35 million investment for broadband infrastructure—the largest amount in state history. When combined with federal funding, Minnesota is expected to see nearly $120 million in funding for broadband expansion in 2017 alone.
“Southern Minnesota is home to numerous areas that could benefit from increased broadband infrastructure,” said Rep. Nels Pierson, R-Rochester. “This $35 million will help those who need high-speed internet to do homework, run their small business, or communicate with a loved one.”
The bill also included a historic tax cut for veterans, exempting all military retirement benefits from state taxes. This will mean more money in the pockets of the more than 18,000 retired veterans currently living in Minnesota.
“As one of the last states to fully tax military retirement pay, we’re overdue in getting rid of this tax,” said Pierson. “Thousands of veterans will see a benefit, and can keep more of their paycheck.”
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