Hatch takes issue
with statement
I recently reviewed an editorial written by Rep. Paul Gazelka (R-Brainerd) concerning the JOBZ legislation. In the JOBZ program, businesses who locate to certain zones will not have to pay property taxes, income taxes, sales taxes or corporate taxes for 12 years. The law also provides, however, that any business receiving such governmental support must also agree to pay wages that represent the market rate for that area.
Rep. Gazelka argues that businesses who receive such massive tax subsidy should not have to pay a wage which equals the market rate for the community.
In response to a request from the Administration, I confirmed that the Minnesota law does require that businesses which receive such tax subsidies must pay a wage that represents the market rate. Rep. Gazelka argues that my opinion is a "proposal." It is not. It is the law. I suggest to Rep. Gazelka that if he wants to eliminate the "prevailing wage" requirement, he needs to amend the law.
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As Attorney General, I cannot ignore the law just to meet the whims of a local legislator.
Mike Hatch
Minnesota attorney general
