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First-term Minnesota state Rep. Keith Downey, R-Edina, has been named a co-chair of the bipartisan House Small Business Caucus.

The caucus, made up of legislators from around the state, hopes to improve the state's overall environment for small businesses and entrepreneurial growth.

"This is an important time for the state to rethink its policies toward small business," Downey said in a statement. "I appreciate the opportunity to help lead and collaborate with a diverse group of lawmakers and business owners."

Downey said he plans to urge caucus members to "avoid short-term thinking" and identify policy changes that will help Minnesota's small businesses and startups to "thrive for the long haul."