Dear Neighbors,
Earlier this week, the Minnesota Legislature officially convened for the 2016 session. It feels good to be back in St. Paul, and with just 10 weeks in which to finish our work there is a renewed sense of urgency to accomplish our goals. Unfortunately, due to ongoing construction as part of the multi-year restoration of the State Capitol, only the House Chamber itself is functioning and the rest of the building is completely closed to the public. In fact, there is a strict occupancy limitation in the House Chamber, which significantly limits access to both members of the public and of the press.
As you know, one of my major priorities since the day I was sworn in to office last year is to make Minnesota the nation's leader in college affordability and student loan debt relief. The Lakeshore Weekly News sat in on a roundtable discussion about this topic recently, and I’d invite you to check out theircoverage of that. My proposal for a refundable tax credit up to $5,000 covering student loan payments is one that I hope legislators of both parties will be open to. I will be officially introducing this bill on Monday.
Another priority of mine is tax relief for small businesses. Alsoon Monday, I will be introducing a bill to simplify sales tax compliance and lower costs by providing a refund for costs that a small business might incur by using third party vendors or automated systems to collect and remit the tax on its behalf. This initiative is part of the “Next Generation Main Street Act,” an array of proposals brought forward by small business owners that will reduce costly audits, simplify tax filing, and make it easier for owners to transfer their businesses to next generation owners.
Like last session, I invite you to join me for coffee each Mondaymorning from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m at People’s Organic (12934 Minnetonka Blvd). Please bring your questions about what’s happening at the Legislature and let me know how I can assist you. I look forward to meeting with you.
As session progresses, I hope you will stay in touch with me about issues important to you. If you cannot join me at People’s Organic for coffee on Mondays, I hope you will feel free to call me at 651-296-9934 or email me atrep.jon.applebaum@house.mn with your questions, comments, or requests.
It’s an honor to represent you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Jon Applebaum
State Representative