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State Representative Rick Hansen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6828
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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REP. RICK HANSEN VOTES FOR FEDERAL TAX CONFORMITY BILL
ST. PAUL – Rep. Rick Hansen joined his fellow legislators Thursday in overwhelming support for the "Federal Conformity" bill. In doing so, Hansen and his colleagues have provided over $25 million in tax relief to Minnesota college students, teachers, and military personnel.
Specifically this bill will:
· Save college students money by allowing low- and middle-income taxpayers to deduct up to $4,000 of college tuition and related expenses.
· Provide books and supplies for public school teachers by extending the allowance of the $250 deduction for K-12 educators.
· Make military combat pay retirement contributions tax exempt. Without this provision, members of the military (including the National Guard) deployed in combat zones have little earned income other than their combat pay.
"The time to act on this bill was today," said Hansen on the House floor after the vote was cast. "Minnesotans couldn't wait any longer for these important benefits."
Hansen and his fellow lawmakers understood the need to act quickly on this bill in order to allow the Department of Revenue to adjust their procedures for the upcoming tax season. In order to make sure Minnesotans could receive these benefits this year, the bill was passed quickly through the House. It is expected to pass in the Senate and be signed into law by Governor Pawlenty in the coming days. Until this happens, Minnesotans are encouraged to wait to prepare their tax forms to avoid filing time-consuming amended returns to claim refunds.
The success and speed of this bill's passage may be an early indication of this legislature's potential for progress this session. Not all of the bills introduced this session will have the inherent widespread support from both parties, and likewise both houses, as the Federal Conformity bill. However, many legislators have high hopes to achieve a bipartisan atmosphere intent on moving the state forward this session.
In Rep. Hansen's words, "Continuing bipartisan efforts to find solutions to the many problems currently facing our state is a priority for both parties. Adherence to this goal will ensure the achievement of constructive results. We must strive to find common ground this session for the sake of all Minnesotans."
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