Howes Backs Streamlined Goverment

State Representative Larry Howes says his Republican caucus wants to streamline government to make Minnesota a more business-friendly state and help people get back to work.

Howes says a common complaint heard is that the permitting process tends to be cumbersome and quite lengthy compared with neighboring states. He says it sometimes gets to the point entrepreneurs become discouraged and pull the plug on plans to start up a new business or expand an existing one in Minnesota.

One bill would require the Pollution Control Agency and the DNR to approve or deny permits in 150 days. Decisions which take longer than that will require an explanation.

Howes says he is encouraging developers and local government to conduct soil studies, as they determine they’ll be necessary.