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MNLARS Update and more

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Friends, 


We've continued to work at a brisk pace at the Capitol before we break this upcoming week in observance of Passover and Easter. I have been working hard for our community, making sure your concerns are being heard. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any ideas or suggestions and have a great Passover & Easter! 

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Rep. Loonan with members from Albert Lea's "Save our Hospital" group came to the Capitol to continue their fight to keep their hospital open. 

MNLARS Update

There may finally be a light at the end of the tunnel for MNLARS. The conference committee created early last week to resolve differences between the House & Senate MNLARS fixes came back with a solution that could work for all sides. The bill will use the agreed upon special fund to pay the immediate $10 million and a special MNLARS Steering Committee will be established to oversee the progress made to fix MNLARS. Any further disbursement would also be overseen by this steering committee. 

Also included in the bill that passed both chambers last week and Governor Dayton signed, was a provision requiring a request for information to determine whether a private vendor is a better option. This is an important step since it has been made abundantly clear that the governmental bodies that initially developed this system failed badly. 

It also requires the Governor’s administration to seek an extension from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for REAL ID. While the Governor had agreed to do this, we felt it was important to make clear this was something that must be done for Minnesotans. 

The bottom line is that Minnesota taxpayers have paid nearly $100 million for a system that is only half built. Minnesotans deserve a DMV system that works, but we will not give a blank check to the governor and throw good money after bad. Our solution allows fixes to continue but sets up important oversight to ensure tax dollars are being spent wisely.

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Rep. Loonan with Andrew Biscay on Insurance Day at the Capitol. 

Tax Season

It’s tax season, and many of you will notice extra savings on your tax returns thanks to reforms led by House Republicans. Here are some highlights:

  • Seniors: Starting this year, nearly 284,000 senior citizens will receive tax reductions; while 72,000 Minnesota Seniors will no longer pay state income tax on their social security benefits.
  • Recent College Grads: If you’re paying down student loans, make sure you claim our new student loan tax credit. The average recent grad will see $414 reduction in their taxes thanks to this new credit
  • College Education: If you’re saving for your child or grandchild’s college education, take advantage of the 529 College Savings Plan credit. Joint filers can deduct up to $3,000! If you’re a teacher going back to school for a master’s degree, you can deduct some of your tuition, books, and other instructional materials.
  • First Home Buyers: If you are saving to buy your first home, you can open a First Time Home Buyers Account, and any interest you earn on that account can be deducted from your taxes. We want to make it easier for you to achieve your own American Dream.
  • Veterans: Your pensions are no longer subject to income taxes. Republicans actually got this done in 2016, but many have had questions about this recent change.  


Video: Key Issues 

A quick video about what we are up to at the Capitol. With so much moving in the legislature right now I wanted to do another update. We are debating school safety well into the evening and then looking at those who receive help from the state and requiring the ones that can work, to do so. As always find me with your questions and ideas. I want to keep the “Represent” in Representative!

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March Food Share

This is a great cause and is the biggest food shelf push in the state this month. Spread the word and give if you are able: MN Food Share

If you have any other questions on any of my bills or anything else going on at the legislature, please reach out to my office at (651) 296-8872. You can also reach me via email at rep.bob.loonan@house.mn.


Have a Happy Passover & Easter with your families!

Bob