State Rep. Terry Morrow voted against concurrence with the Senate Federal Conformity Tax Bill on Thursday after the Senate removed a local option sales tax provision for North Mankato. The provision was included in the House tax bill passed on Tuesday. North Mankato has sought state approval for years to fund several regionally significant projects. Voters in North Mankato approved the local option sales tax by a 2-to-1 margin in 2006.

Minnesota Commissioner of Revenue Ward Einess testified before the Senate that Governor Pawlenty would veto the bill unless local option sales tax provisions were removed for several communities. However, Commissioner Einess stated, the Governor did not object to this option for Duluth or Bemidji.

“There is simply no good reason for the Governor to object to North Mankato’s voter-approved local option sales tax and allow it for Duluth and Bemidji,” said Morrow on the House floor. “We were told that Bemidji was allowed because it purchased 14 acres. Well, North Mankato already purchased 32 acres for its projects. There’s simply no good reason to allow one and deny the other.”

Morrow repeated his belief that the bill has many good features, including tax cuts, that he voted for many times, including when he voted for the bill earlier in the session. “A representative must stand up for his district when it’s been indiscriminately treated. I am here for the people of North Mankato and District 23A. My duty compelled me to vote no,” stated Morrow.