The 2018 Legislature has entered the final weeks of session and the focus has been narrowed down to the supplemental budget, taxes and capital investment (bonding).  Legislative action must be completed by the constitutional deadline of Monday, May 21, 2018.

As the supplemental budget bills have been assembled, several state agencies were hit with budget cuts across a variety of funding areas.  Thankfully, Explore Minnesota Tourism was not asked to cut its budget or reduce any of its programs. Earlier this session, the Minnesota Tourism Growth Coalition (MTGC) awarded the 2017 MTGC “Tourism Leadership Award” to Senator Carrie Ruud and Representative Dan Fabian.  These legislators were recognized for their steadfast commitment to tourism and leadership in securing funding for EMT and the tourism events grant program.

Also this session, the MTGC, EMT, Community of Minnesota Resorts, MACVB and community leaders from the tourism industry appeared before the House and Senate Environment Committees.  Testifiers presented information about the economic benefits from tourism funding and the first rounds of the EMT tourism events grant program.  Click here to watch the House Environment Committee hearing video or the Senate Environment Committee hearing video.

I have had the pleasure of seeing many of you in St. Paul over the past few months and throughout the legislative session, as you have been at the Capitol representing your community, attending “Day at the Capitol” events, and meeting with legislators.

Thank you for your support of tourism in Minnesota!

If you have any questions regarding legislative issues, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Sarah Psick, Lobbyist
Minnesota Tourism Growth Coalition
[email protected]
[email protected]