Dear Friends,
The legislative session came to a surprising end Sunday evening. Here is a brief recap of the main bills that passed the House, and how things stand moving forward.
Supplemental Budget and Tax Bills
The tax bill that passed both bodies will help families with tax credits for child care and student debt. I was happy my bill that provides a tax credit for parents with stillborn children was included. We also provided tax relief to college graduates who have student loan debt, and joined 45 other states in making veteran’s retirement benefits tax-exempt.
In the supplemental budget proposal, we allocated an additional $158 million dollars to preschool early learning grants, mental health resources, broadband infrastructure, economic disparities, higher education, and resources to combat sex trafficking.
For much more detailed information, follow this link to House Public Information’s bill overview:
Both of these bills had significant bi-partisan support in the House and Senate, and now await Governor Dayton’s signature.
Bonding Proposal
I was shocked that the Senate was not able to pass their transportation and bonding package in time Sunday evening. The bill includes $20 million for Cliff & I-35W interchange, important water infrastructure upgrades, money for higher education improvements, and an additional $700 million for building transportation infrastructure. I am hopeful that Governor Dayton will call a special session in the very near future, and agree with the House $1.3 billion bill for transportation and infrastructure projects across the state, which had broad bi-partisan support. I will certainly keep you updated on this situation as it progresses.
This session went by so quickly, and I have to say that the most enjoyable part of it was meeting with so many of you in-district and at my office, and having so many interesting, informative, and enjoyable conversations about your priorities. It has truly been a privilege.
As always, please feel free to contact my office with any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Roz