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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Lyndon Carlson, Sr. (DFL)

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Legislative Update - April 15, 2016

Friday, April 15, 2016
Dear Neighbors,
Today we voted on the E-12 education funding bill in the House Tax Committee, and it will be heard again in the Ways and Means Committee next week before heading to the House Floor. There is no new funding in the Republican education budget, but a wide array of policy changes. You can read more about the Republican education plan by reading the House Public Information Office’s Session Daily article “Education finance bill is long on policy but short on funding” on the House website.
 
There are several other major finance bills moving through the final steps of the committee process, including the higher education finance bill, which we will hear in Ways and Means Committee next week. The higher education budget target was also set at zero by the majority, leaving no room for freezing tuition at the University of Minnesota or four year campuses of the MnSCU system in the House proposal. You can read more about that here: “Higher education committee approves lean omnibus bill”
 
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.
 
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 651-296-4255 or Rep.Lyndon.Carlson@house.mn .
 
It is an honor to serve you at the Capitol!
 
Sincerely,
Lyndon Carlson
State Representative
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