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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Mark Uglem (R)

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Legislative Update: House Passing Budget Bills

Monday, April 10, 2017

Friends,


Over the last couple weeks the House has passed our budget bills for the next two years. From taxes to transportation to education, our budgets put everyday Minnesotans first. The tax bill includes $1.35 billion in relief, the transportation bill invests $2.1 billion over the next two years, and the education plan dedicated $1.1 billion in new funding toward education. 


Tax Relief 

The House tax plan delivers $1.35 billion in tax relief to hardworking Minnesotans. The relief in our bill is aimed at middle-class Minnesotans with seniors and families with young children being among the biggest beneficiaries. Our plan is a step toward making Minnesota a great place to live and work.

Highlights of the $1.35 billion in tax relief include: 

  • $269 million in relief for Minnesota’s senior citizens by increasing the income limit at which social security income is taxable. As a result, by 2019 nearly 284,000 senior citizen tax returns (single and married filing jointly) would be eligible to receive a tax exemption on their social security benefits with an average tax reduction of $710.
  • $35 million going for modifying the child and dependent care credit. A family of four with childcare expenses would be estimated to receive $660 in relief.
  • More than $125 million toward addressing college affordability. Families saving for college using 529 Savings Plans will benefit from expanded subtractions and credits. In addition, 77,500 students will receive, on average, a $640 reduction in their taxes through a first-in-the-nation tax credit for student loan payments.


Transportation Plan

Our transportation funding proposal invests around $6 billion into building our roads and bridges over the next 10 years, without raising the gas tax. It also reallocates $450 million into a dedicated Transportation Priorities Fund, using existing tax revenue on transportation related items. This bill also does not appropriate a single cent of taxpayer money to funding light rail transportation through the Met Council.

Funds in this bill are also dedicated to the following items:

  • $25 million for the Small Cities Road Assistance program.
  • $300 million for Corridors of Commerce program.
  • $35 million for rail grade crossings.
  • Funding to repair or replace all 97 bridges on MnDOT's local bridge priority list.


Education Plan 

The House passed our education plan that increases funding for our students and schools by $1.1 billion, including more than $300 million for early learning programs; $22 million for a targeted academic achievement initiative that funds before school, afterschool, and summer programs to help low-income students who are falling behind; and $40 million for enhanced school readiness aid. These new funding levels will help in closing the achievement gap.


Capitol Essay Contest

Don’t forget to have your school-aged children enter the Capitol Essay Contest by April 28th. Visit the website here for more information.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at 651-296-5513 or emailing me at rep.mark.uglem@house.mn.

Thank you and have a great week,

Mark