Friends,
The 2018 Session is well underway and the legislature went right to work. On the second day of Session, all House members - Democrats and Republicans - participated in an all-day sexual harassment training, which was conducted by professionals who routinely do this type of training for Fortune 500 companies. It was in-depth and, as you can hear from my interview below, there was new and useful information for everyone.
In addition to this mandatory training, the Sub-committee on Workplace Safety and Respect has been established and will be chaired by Majority Leader Joyce Peppin. The issue of harassment, of all sorts, is being taken very seriously by the Minnesota House of Representatives and I am pleased with the proactive steps Republican Leadership has taken to address recent issues at the Capitol.
Session Preview Interview
Recently, Rep. Hertaus and I sat down with Randy Gilbert, host of Capitol Update on LMCC-TV, to preview the upcoming Session. We discuss the MNLARS debacle, the effect of federal tax reform on Minnesota, sexual harassment prevention training at the Capitol, and the prospect of a Bonding Bill this session. Click here or below to watch!
Tax Reform and What's Next
Earlier this year I wrote a column for our local papers detailing how the changes at the federal level impact us here in Minnesota and the work ahead to make sure Minnesota taxpayers aren't forced to pay an extra burden due to these changes. That column is available here and below.
The Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 passed by Congress and enacted into law has resulted in major, and welcomed, changes to the U.S. Tax Code. We are already seeing results as dozens of companies, including many here in Minnesota like Best Buy, Priority Courier Experts, and TCF Bank, have announced significant bonuses for their employees.
In addition to cash bonuses, Minnesotans have begun to see increases in their paychecks due to decreases in taxes. Companies are announcing investments into local economies. In fact, Minnesota is now creating jobs just as fast as the rest of the country for the first time in years. This is all great news!
However, tax reform at the federal level is only one aspect of the taxes we pay.
The overall tax bill reflects a combination of assessments by federal, state and local taxing authorities. In many states, these tax assessments are intertwined so changes at the federal level must be accounted for at the state level as well. In Minnesota, that means we must pass a tax conformity bill this legislative session to address all the changes filers will see when filing their 2018 taxes.
If Minnesota fails to pass a tax conformity bill, the process of filing 2018 taxes, along with compliance and auditing processes, will be a disaster. There’s simply no good reason to allow for this uncertainty and prevent Minnesota taxpayers from reaping the benefits of this historic tax reform.
Part of what we must do is work to make sure Minnesotans do not experience tax increases due to changes required to comply with the federal reform. I will work to make certain my hard-working constituents in Chanhassen, Minnetonka Beach, Greenwood, Mound, Excelsior, Deephaven, Tonka Bay, Shorewood, Orono, and Spring Park do not see their overall tax bill rise due to changes the legislature proposes.
Federal tax reform was long overdue and much needed to jump-start our economy. Minnesota is in the process of creating the type of economic environment in which small businesses thrive and workers see rising wages. The early results have been extremely encouraging. Please know that my legislative colleagues and I will be working hard to ensure the reforms passed in Minnesota will keep the positive momentum going.
2018 Legislative Priorities Breakfast Meeting
This morning I attended the 2018 Legislative Priorities Breakfast Meeting with Dr. Dennis Peterson, Superintendent Minnetonka Public Schools along with several board members & key personnel. I could not be more proud than I am to represent this outstanding, 'Blue Ribbon Award' winning district and look forward to continuing to offer my support in any way I am able.
It's been 30 years since my husband, Jack, and I made the decision to build our home where we did -- because of the renowned Minnetonka Public Schools. What a great decision that was!
As always, it is an honor and privilege to serve you and your families in the Minnesota House of Representatives. If you would like to get in touch with me, you can email me at rep.cindy.pugh@house.mn or call my office 651-296-4315.
Have a great weekend... sounds like we're going to have Spring-like weather, yeah!
Cindy