Friends,
With the final budget bills passing on Friday, we wrapped up the 2017 Legislative session. It was a productive session filled with many bipartisan compromises, including passing my REAL ID bill, getting middle-class tax relief, and making a significant investment in our schools. You can read more on the deal below and in subsequent updates. Have a safe Memorial Day weekend with your family and friends.
Rep. Smith speaking on the House Floor
Session Wrapped
On Friday morning, the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate concluded the special session, passing the final bills that comprise the 2018-2019 biennium budget. In all, the legislature passed seven bills during special session: Taxes, Transportation, State Government, Health and Human Services, K-12 Education, Bonding, and Labor Standards.
The House Republican-led tax bill will mean more than $650 million in tax relief—the largest tax cut in nearly two decades. It includes relief for seniors on social security, college graduates with student loan debt, and property tax relief for farmers and Minnesota businesses. This is in on top of the $258 million in unemployment insurance tax cut that I chief authored last year.
In addition, Republicans championed and the legislature approved the largest investment in road and bridge infrastructure in a state history without an increase in the gas tax or license tab fees.
Earlier, the legislature passed budget bills for Public Safety, Higher Education, Jobs & Energy Affordability, Agriculture, and Environment and Natural Resources. Altogether, the legislature is sending ten budget bills, a bonding bill, and a labor standards bill to the governor’s desk for his signature.
ADA Bill Signed into Law
This week Governor Dayton signed my bill, House File 1542, to strengthen language ensuring that businesses are given time to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) once they are made aware of a violation. The legislation passed the House with overwhelmingly bipartisan support, 112-22, and received support from all areas of the state.
Frivolous lawsuits brought by a few unscrupulous lawyers made this change necessary. This legislation, supported by the Department of Human Rights and Minnesota Council on Disabilities, will allow business to comply with the ADA and not be bogged down in court by those looking to take advantage of laws designed to protect those with disabilities.
The bill requires that a notice be sent to the business before a civil action can be filed for violation of the ADA law. The bill is supported by the Department of Human Rights and Minnesota Council of Disabilities and many other organizations.
Please continue to share your thoughts with me about our state government; bill ideas and concerns are welcomed! I am honored to serve you at the Capitol. My email address is Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, phone number 651-296-5502, and by mail: 375 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a great weekend!
Dennis