It’s tax time at the Capitol. No, I’m not referring to the state and federal tax forms we were required to submit mid-April. I’m talking about the Legislature’s annual tax conference committee, and why it’s important for residents of rural Minnesota to call or email their local legislators on a topic that will have a direct impact on our quality of life.

The tax bill contains many provisions, including tax reductions for senior citizens, farmers, small business owners and college students. But in its current form, the bill doesn’t contain a much-needed formula change for county program aid. These are the critical dollars our counties need to provide public safety, human services, transportation and other vital programs on the state’s behalf.

Call or email your legislators. Find your legislators at this link: www.gis.leg.mn/iMaps/districts. Tell them county program aid is critical to preserve our rural way of life, and ask them to support the formula change that will keep our rural counties strong.

Jay Backer

Chairman

Big Stone County Board of Commissioners

Graceville