Dear Neighbors,
Our first committee deadline was yesterday at midnight, so we’ve been having long committee meetings and bill hearings all this week in preparation. Here’s an update from the Capitol:
MNLARS Fix
On Thursday, the House, Senate, and Gov. Dayton’s administration reached a compromise to deliver much-needed funding to Minnesota’s Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS). The project has had numerous challenges and the delays continued to mount, affecting drivers, businesses, and deputy registrars across our state. We needed a fix and I’m pleased we could find a bipartisan solution.
Visitors at the Capitol
I had a great meeting with a group from the National Alliance on Mental Illness to discuss the importance of funding mental health support systems in our communities. Thank you for stopping by!
Dayton’s Final State of the State
Last Wednesday night, Gov. Dayton gave his final State of the State address. Minnesota is stronger thanks to his leadership. Now let’s keep fighting to build on the progress Gov. Dayton helped create and make sure Minnesota is a state that works for all of us.
Every Minnesotan deserves an opportunity to succeed, and we can only make that a reality by continuing to invest in the things that make life better for all of us.
Tax Conformity Ahead
When the federal tax bill was passed and signed into law in 2017, it immediately made things trickier here in Minnesota. Due to major changes in the federal tax code, my fellow legislators and I will have to debate how much to conform state code to the new federal code.
Full conformity would raise taxes on Minnesotans by hundreds of millions of dollars, while leaving things as is would complicate filing for residents and businesses.
Gov. Dayton’s proposal would cut taxes on 2 million Minnesotans to lessen impacts of the federal legislation on Minnesota families. We value fairness in our state; that’s why changes should make taxes fair for everyone, not favor corporations.
Supplemental Budget
Last week, Gov. Dayton released his supplemental budget proposal. In the coming weeks, the House and Senate will be creating their own proposals. I’ll keep you updated as we work through the process.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any concerns on legislative matters.
Sincerely,
Duane Sauke
State Representative