Neighbors and Friends,
Our third committee deadline is tomorrow and there will be a flurry of activity in committees and on the House floor this week. Many visitors from the district have also been stopping in to discuss various issues and it is such a pleasure to meet with constituents. I welcome these conversations. Here is an update from the Capitol:
House Omnibus Bills
The House will take up the Omnibus Tax and Environment bills today. These bills fund specific issue areas.
Tax Bill
The Omnibus Tax bill is on our agenda for a House floor vote today. The proposal contains many of the same provisions in last year’s tax bill, such as tax cuts for businesses and corporations, veterans, and seniors; however it does not include the working family tax credit. The nonpartisan House Public Information Services office has provided a breakdown of the tax bill’s cost. I am disappointed that the $161.7 million in estate tax cuts has been prioritized over our state’s homeowners and renters. During this debate, I’ll be supporting targeted cuts for hard working families, small businesses and students, not millionaires.
Environment Bill
The Omnibus Environment bill will also be up for a vote today. The bill cuts $94 million from funding that protects Minnesota’s air, water, and outdoor spaces. Minnesota is lucky to have abundant natural resources, but we can’t take them for granted. Instead, we should be investing to maintain our environmental resources for the next generation of Minnesotans.
Muslim Day at the Capitol
This week, I was honored to participate in the Muslim Day at the Capitol. Hundreds of Minnesotans statewide joined together to support our Muslim community members and neighbors. It was great to have the opportunity to speak with several constituents from the Muslim community at the rally in the rotunda.
Woodbury Expo
I hope you’ll be able to join Senator Kent and me at the Woodbury Expo this Saturday, April 1. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with more than 180 local businesses and organizations in addition to enjoying tasty samples from local restaurants. The event will take place at East Ridge High School from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and is free and family friendly. For more information, click here.
As omnibus bills come to the House floor for votes, I hope you’ll keep in touch. I appreciate input on these bills and your personal stories.
Sincerely,
JoAnn Ward