Friends,
The State Fair is here and with it brings the unofficial end to Summer Vacation here in Minnesota. If you are planning to head to the Fair, make sure you check here for road closures and here for information on the Express Buses. I'm sure I'll head there with my family over the next couple weeks, make sure to say hi if you see me there! Have a great weekend.
Rep. Smith meeting with Osseo Mayor Duane Poppe in his office
K-12 Funding & Key Reforms
Following last session's historic investment in K-12 Education, the Legislature followed that up another significant investment into our children's future. We partner more than $1.3 billion of increased funding a 7.8% increase, including a 2% yearly increase to the per-pupil formula that was requested by our school districts, with proven reforms including ending the "Last In, First Out" default layoff policy for schools to keep the best teachers in the classroom. You can watch an interview I did with our local TV station on LIFO earlier this year.
From the per-pupil increase the school districts in our area, Osseo and Wayzata, will see a combined $15.35 million in increased funding over the next two years. Making this significant investment into our schools combined with real reforms to keep the best teachers in the classroom means we are one step closer to making sure every student in the state of Minnesota has access to a world-class education.
Tax Breaks for Families with Students
I wanted to make sure parents know about tax incentives that may allow them to keep more of their hard earned money come next tax season. Minnesota has both a credit and a subtraction for education expenses. The Department of Revenue has reminded families interested in claiming these tax benefits to save all receipts related to school supplies.
Most school supplies qualify for the credit or subtraction, including writing utensils, textbooks, and musical instrument rentals. Common items that don’t qualify for the subtraction or credit include school lunches, uniforms, backpacks, and more. Parents are encouraged to check the Revenue website to determine which expenses qualify.
While the education subtraction is not subject to income limits, the credit is limited to households with incomes less than $37,500 for families with 1-2 children, $39,500 for families with 3 children, and adding $2,000 per child for families with 4 or more children. According to the Department of Revenue, more than 43,000 families took advantage of the education credit saving an average of $242. In all, nearly 200,000 families took advantage of the education subtraction.
Full details about the Education Subtraction and Credit can be found on the Department of Revenue’s website: http://www.revenue.state.mn.us.
Maple Grove Economic Development Zone Moves Forward
Among the key things our cities requested this past session was a tax increment financing district for the Gravel Mining Area to give the area more flexibility. I carried this important legislation and it was included in the tax bill that we passed into law during the 2017 session.
At their August 21st meeting, Maple Grove City Council began the process of creating these TIF zones. I am glad to have chief authored this legislation and that the Maple Grove City Council is moving forward with creating these economic development zones.
Lions Roar Days
Osseo's Lions Roar Days are coming up September Friday the 8th and Saturday the 9th. The Osseo Lions will also have their famous roast beef sandwiches, pork chops on a stick, turkey legs, and brats with all the fixings. Smith Farms will have roasted corn. It'll be a fun time for the whole family. See a full list of the events here or the flyer below.
Congratulations!
To Alissa Ochs, a 2003 graduate of Osseo High School, for being inducted into the Osseo High Athletic Hall of Fame. Ochs was a star soccer player and until three years ago held the triple-jump state record. She will be honored along with other inductees during halftime of the September 8th Osseo vs. White Bear Lake football game. Congrats Alissa!
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