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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Erik Simonson (DFL)

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Legislative Update - April 15, 2016

Friday, April 15, 2016

Dear Neighbors,

Several major finance bills are slowly moving through the final stops of the committee process, but it’s still too early to tell what the final impacts will be. The House GOP has proposed to use none of the state budget surplus to address middle class issues like freezing college tuition, lowering the cost of childcare, or pursuing the Governor’s $100 million plan to improve access to broadband internet. You’ll find more info about the House GOP budget targets below.

For a recap of the many other committee actions that took place this week, you can check this helpful round-up prepared by House Public Information Services here.

HOUSE GOP SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET TARGETS

House Republicans released their supplemental budget late last week. Their plan doubles down on tax cuts that would largely benefit corporate special interests and the wealthiest Minnesotans ahead of ordinary Minnesota families and children.

With a state budget surplus of only $900 million, their $1.4 billion budget would return Minnesota to the days of red ink with what amounts to a $500 million deficit for tax cuts that won’t benefit the middle class or homeowners.

Not only does their plan send Minnesota into a budget deficit, it ignores needed investments to support our children and families and does little to address economic inequities that exist across the state. Despite Minnesota’s ranking as 5th worst in the nation on student debt, they provided no additional funding for colleges and universities and completely ignored our preK-12 education system. They’re offering the smallest investment in the state’s infrastructure in well over a decade. Their $600 million proposal to fund the bonding, jobs, and economic development sections of the budget also mean cuts to important initiatives that help businesses grow and create jobs across Minnesota.

Their budget is a recipe for gridlock. I think Governor Dayton summed that up fairly well by saying:

“(House Republicans) intend to spend this biennium’s entire $900 million surplus on tax giveaways and one-time transportation funding. I await their details on which tax beneficiaries they consider more important than the needs of our children and college students. I also keep waiting for their reliably funded, long-term solution to our state’s deteriorating highways, roads, and bridges and inadequate public transit systems.”

TAX DEADLINE DAY IS APRIL 18: MN DEPT. OF REVENUE HAS TAXPAYERS TIPS

The 2016 income tax filing season ends at midnight on Monday, April 18, so you have a few extra days to file this year. Emancipation Day - a holiday in the District of Columbia - is being observed on Friday, April 15, pushing back the official filing day to the next business day – Monday, April 18. If you have not filed yet, the Minnesota Department of Revenue offers these tips to help taxpayers:

  • E-file and choose direct deposit - the most secure and convenient way to file your taxes and get your refund.

  • Enter your name and any dependents names exactly as they appear on Social Security cards. Incorrect names or Social Security numbers can result in refund delays.

  • Double-check bank routing and account numbers used on tax forms for direct deposit. Incorrect account numbers can delay your refund.

  • Complete each form and carry totals to the correct lines. If you electronically file, the calculations are automatically done for you.

  • Do not staple or use paperclips on your paper return. Staples and paperclips on tax returns need to be removed by hand and can slow down processing.

  • If you move after filing your return, contact us right away so anything sent to you will reach you, such as refund checks or requests for more information. You should do this even when requesting a direct deposit. Call us at 651-296-3781 or 1-800-652-9094 (toll-free) to change your address.

File your return by the April 18, 2016 due date, even if you owe more than you can pay. Pay as much as you can by the due date and contact the Minnesota Dept. of Revenue as soon as possible to set up a payment plan for the remaining balance. Acting quickly can help to minimize any late payment penalties. For more information about making your payment electronically, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue website.

For more individual income tax filing tips, check out the Minnesota Department of Revenue Weekly Tax Tip video series.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can also contact my office at 651-296-4246 or Rep.Erik.Simonson@house.mn .

It is an honor to serve you at the Capitol!

Sincerely,

Erik Simonson

State Representative