Sen. Andrew Mathews (R-Princeton) released the following statement in response to reporting that Amazon has suspended its development of a data center in Becker, MN:   

“I’m incredibly frustrated that a major economic lifeline for the Becker community has effectively stalled. Earlier this session, Governor Walz rolled out the red carpet for Amazon and pledged to support their investment in Minnesota. But when it came time to act, the Governor and legislative Democrats repeatedly stonewalled the project. I’ve fought all session to pass policies that give regulatory certainty and stability to help these projects come here, but the Governor’s proposal last week to repeal the data center’s sales tax exemption on electricity appears to be the final straw. 

“Data centers are coming and they can be a valuable asset for our state and local communities. But the policies championed by Governor Walz and Democrats are driving these opportunities away. Instead of creating jobs and economic growth here, they’ll now be built in other states. 

“As for Becker, I remain committed to making development and growth easier. This community has already endured the scheduled retirement of the coal plant and the derailment of the proposed gas plant due to outside interference. Now, we’re losing a data center. Every city deserves a path to prosperity, but under Democratic control, that path gets harder every day. This amplifies the message that under Tim Walz, Minnesota is not a place to do business. If Amazon can be driven out of state, anyone else could be next.”