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State Representative Sarah Anderson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5511
For more information contact: Jodi Boyne 651-296-0640
HOUSE BRIEFS
EMAIL UPDATE - January 17
Friends and neighbors,
Thank you for taking the time to read my legislative e-mail update! My predecessor, Rep. Jeff Johnson, began these updates as a way to quickly pass along important information and I believe it is good to continue doing so. Each week I will provide you a brief summary of what’s going on in your government and pass along good local news as well. Speaking of local news…it was my pleasure meet with the Women of the West Quilters from Plymouth when they were presented with a state grant award last week. Judy Odle and all the quilters will use the grant to put on a show at the Plymouth Creek Center this September. Congratulations!
DO YOU QUALIFY FOR NEW TAX DEDUCTIONS?
Before the 2006 US Congress ended it passed a series of tax relief packages that Minnesota needs to adopt or forfeit the tax benefits they gave us. Fortunately the House voted unanimously to adopt and the Senate indicated it will soon follow. Governor Pawlenty has said he will sign it when it reaches his desk. If you are paying college tuition, you may be able to deduct up to $4,000 on your 2006 taxes and if you’re a teacher the deduction for out-of-pocket classroom expenses went up to $250. You might qualify for other relief even if you aren’t in one of these two groups. To find out, as your tax preparer or visit the state’s tax website, www.taxes.state.mn.us.
RIGOR, RELEVANCE, RESUTLS
Rigor, relevance and results – or “3R” – are the center of the governor’s announced plan to re-energize Minnesota high schools and help students better prepare for college and post-college life. As part of an overall plan to increase education funding and achieve measurable results, the “3R” plan is optional and comes along with bonus funding for schools who choose to take on the challenge of reform.
It’s not just schools that would benefit under “3R.” Students who complete a year of college while in high school would receive money for an average year’s tuition and fees at public colleges or universities in Minnesota. Not only will this save students (and parents) a substantial amount of money, it will help Minnesota retain the bright, young talent we will need to remain competitive in the future.
I’ve been busy working on an education plan of my own that will allow school districts like ours to receive “equity revenue” that we currently aren’t allowed to have. If you’re interested in reading the plan, it is House File 98 and can be found on my official House website, www.house.mn/43a.
That’s all for this week! Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to write or call in the last few weeks and please continue to do so!
News Items
- Letter to the Editor - (Posted: 2012-02-20 00:00:00)
- Welcome to the 2012 Session - (Posted: 2012-01-31 00:00:00)
- REDISTRICTING ORGANIZATION TO WITHHOLD MAP FROM PUBLIC SCRUTINY - (Posted: 2011-10-14 00:00:00)
- Archived News Items
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