Greetings,
It will be interesting to see what the 2018 session holds in store the next few months as we return to the Capitol after a 2017 session that was one for the record books.
Last year’s session was historic in a number of ways, including enactment of the largest tax relief package for in almost two decades and the biggest investment in roads and bridges in Minnesota history without a gas tax increase.
The tax bill we approved is providing $650 in relief in 2018-19 and roughly $750 million more in 2020-21. I am most proud of the fact we reduced state taxes collected on seniors’ Social Security checks. Beyond, seniors, we also passed relief for farmers, small businesses, college graduates with student loan debt, and families with children in daycare.
The Legislature also approved the largest investment in road and bridge infrastructure in a state history, with billions more for transportation over the next 10 years without an increase in the gas tax or license tab fees. Legislation I authored (H.F. 638) was a cornerstone of this transportation package, direct existing taxes on purchases of auto parts, etc., to roads and bridges. It will mean an influx of more than $300 million for roads and bridges during the current biennium alone.
As for this year’s session, taxes again will be in the mix as we look to bring Minnesota in line with the federal government’s massive recent changes. This will involve close analysis to make sure we do the best for Minnesota taxpayers. Action is necessary since non-conformity reportedly would cause havoc with our tax returns.
On another subject related to havoc, the Legislature will be looking for ways to fix the disastrous rollout of the new Minnesota Licensing and Registration system for processing vehicle title and registration transactions.
Around $100 million has been spent building the new system and now officials say they need another $43 million to fix the failing system. We would be better off having Minnesota IT turn this project over to people who have previous experience managing massive IT projects such as this. Minnesota IT could then put its focus back on running maintenance and security.
A House website is available for citizens to log comments regarding MNLARS (www.house.leg.state.mn.us/DMV/Comment). Nearly 1,000 citizens have weighed in so far and we respond to all comments as long as they provide an email address.
Bonding will be another big issue in the 2018 session as we look to assemble a capital investment bill to fund construction projects throughout the state. Bonding bills are crucial to small cities such as the ones in our area. The House will prioritize funding for infrastructure and roads and bridges as it puts together this year’s package. Time will tell what the final dollar amount turns out to be, but it is all but certain to come in lower than the $1.5 billion proposed by the governor. For perspective, that is $600 million more than what state economists from the governor’s own administration have projected.
A number of bills I am personally authoring will be introduced this session. One of my bills would require the state to conduct a request for proposal bidding process on projects exceeding $100,000, in an effort to avoid repeating fiascos such as MNLARS. I also have a bill to fix a life insurance problem for National Guard members and another to help resolve data privacy issues so veterans can receive the proper benefits they’ve earned. Another measure of mine would better coordinate mental health service across agencies and still one more would bring asset testing to the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
Look for more details on these and other issues as things develop in St. Paul. As always, your input is welcome.
Good luck,
Jeff