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State Representative Joyce Peppin
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7806
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
NEWS COLUMN
Child Care Assistance Protection and Tax Reform
Dear Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who turned out for our local precinct caucuses. It was encouraging to see the great attendance.
In this edition:
1) Child Care Assistance Funds Protection
2) Tax Reform
3) Gov. Dayton Vetoes Pro-business Bills
1) Child Care Assistance Funds Protection
The House passed legislation yesterday that would protect child care assistance funds from the automatic withdrawal of union dues or fees prior to the providers receiving them.
House File 1766 was written in response to Governor Dayton’s recent executive order calling for a vote on unionizing all private, independent in-home child care providers. Unlike federal law, current state statute lacks language that would protect a diversion of state subsidy funds to union dues and fees. This bill would not prohibit joining a union; it simply establishes a layer of protection to maintain the integrity of Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) money.
Several child care providers testified in support of the bill, and in fact, no one testified against it. Many are concerned that the deduction of dues would require them to stop enrolling child care assistance families or to make drastic cuts to their child care programs.
2) Tax Reform
My colleagues and I continued our commitment to our Reform 2.0 plan this week. Specifically, we heard three important tax reforms in committee that will encourage businesses to stay and grow in Minnesota.
House File 1914 would exclude the first $150,000 of a commercial/industrial property’s value from the statewide property tax. Businesses of all sizes would see the same amount of relief under this provision, which would take effect for property taxes payable in 2013. In addition, the legislation would phase out the state property tax over 12 years. Business property tax relief legislation will help ensure our businesses survive and thrive. This measure is expected to have bipartisan support.
Representative Jenifer Loon (R-Eden Prairie) proposed the creation of a Tax Reform Action Commission that would simplify our complex tax code. House File 1822 has received support from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Business Partnership.
I look forward to following the progression of these bills and eventually hearing them on the House floor.
3) Governor Dayton Vetoes Pro-business Bills
We received unfortunate news from the executive branch today. Governor Mark Dayton vetoed four important lawsuit abuse reforms that would have assisted small business owners who, many times, through no fault of their own, are forced to undertake legal action for various business-related reasons.
Our lawsuit abuse reforms aimed to improve the fairness and efficiency of Minnesota’s legal system, stop meritless lawsuits early, and improve Minnesota’s business climate. The bill authors affirmed the need to streamline the legal process while maintaining the important right to engage in legal action if a person or business is wronged.
Consider, for example, all of the small business owners who must seek recourse for customers who do not pay for services received. Senate File 149 would have allowed those owners to take more of their cases to small claims court (“conciliation court”) rather than incur heavy costs to retain an attorney. Tens of thousands of business owners – our economic catalysts – supported this bill. It is disappointing Governor Dayton did not agree.
Have a great weekend,
Joyce
News Items
- PEPPIN REPORT: FORECAST SHOWS THIRD CONSECUTIVE STATE SURPLUS - (Posted: 2012-12-06 00:00:00)
- A Look Ahead to the 2012 Legislative Session - (Posted: 2012-01-26 00:00:00)
- A Call to Caucus - (Posted: 2012-02-04 00:00:00)
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