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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Abigail Whelan (R)

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Legislative Update (7-1-16)

Friday, July 1, 2016
Dear Neighbors,
 
I hope you have been able to enjoy the beautiful weather we have experienced the last several weeks with friends and family! Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy everything Minnesota has to offer.
 
The 2016 legislative session adjourned over a month ago and I wanted to give you an update on a handful of new laws and spending that go into effect today, July 1st.
  • As part of the 2016 Supplemental Budget Bill, $2 million will be used for the state grant program that provides financial aid to low- and middle-income Minnesota students attending any in-state postsecondary institution
  • Also included in the Supplemental Budget Bill is a full exemption of retired veterans’ retirement benefits from state income tax
The authorization of electronic raffle stubs which:
  • Allows raffle numbers to be selected electronically and increases bingo prize limits from $200 to $500
  • Requires local jurisdictions that receive 10% of gambling net profits for charitable purposes to publicly acknowledge the source of the fund
In addition, $38 million in appropriations were approved for expenditures from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund based on recommendations from the LCCMR.

 

A final law of note requires that new professional or technical services contracts must be subject to the determination that no current legislative employee is able to perform those services.

 
Furthermore, any professional or technical service contracts valued in excess of $25,000, a determination must also be made that reasonable efforts were made to publicize the availability of the contract and that performance metrics have been established to evaluate the performance of the contractor.
 
Summer Fun!
 
I wanted to pass along some fun community events coming up around town, including fun local options to celebrate Independence Day:
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me to share your thoughts, questions, or concerns. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn.
 
Have a great weekend,
Abigail