Meeting with members of Youth Intervention Programs. They came to talk about House File 4388 and House File 4172, with the goal of ensuring better outcomes for more Minnesota youth. Thank you for meeting with me and discussing these bills - it is so encouraging to see young people engaged in our political process.
Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update from your Capitol and around our community.
Tax Conformity
As I shared last week, with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed by Congress late last year, Minnesota is provided a wonderful opportunity to simplify our own state tax code. Our House federal conformity plan, as outlined in the Tax Omnibus bill that was released this week, does just that. It also advances the first income tax rate reduction in nearly two decades. In all, more than 2.1 million filers will see a tax cut next year if our plan becomes law. (To see the Tax Omnibus bill in its entirety, click here.)
Highlights include:
- Helping middle-class Minnesotans keep more of what they earn by cutting the second tier income tax rate from 7.05% to 6.75% by tax year 2020. This would mark the first income tax rate reduction in Minnesota since 2000.
- Lowering taxes for people at all income levels by increasing the standard deduction from $13,000 to $14,000.
- Protecting families by preserving a state personal and dependent exemption of $4,150.
- Encouraging affordable homeownership by allowing a state-itemized deduction of up to $30,000 in property taxes.
Advancing tax conformity this year is also important to ensure there are not undue complications for tax filers next year. I will keep you updated as we continue to advance our tax conformity legislation.
Also, happily, many of the changes I worked on with regard to simplifying our property tax system made it into the tax omnibus bill. I am hopeful these will remain in the bill as it works its way through conference committee.
Education/Higher Education Bill Passes House
On Thursday, the House passed a supplemental education/higher education bill. Notably, this legislation includes our comprehensive school safety package, championing a multifaceted approach that gives school districts flexibility and resources to address school safety and student mental health. The bill includes expanding the use of long-term facilities maintenance revenue for facility security upgrades, strengthening the state’s commitment to school-linked mental health grants, supporting suicide prevention training for teachers, increasing funding for Safe Schools Revenue, and more.
Additionally, the bill does a number of other important things including bringing more transparency to school finance and performance reporting; strengthening laws around teacher misconduct to protect students; creating a one-stop-spot for families to research, compare and help determine which school will work best for their child; and protecting kids from school lunch shaming.
In the higher education portion of the bill there are measures to fund student loan debt counseling, reform of the regent selection process, and support for a cybersecurity program, among others.
The reform of the regent selection process in particular is a key issue I worked on this year, along with several others. While the specific changes we are making vary from the bill I introduced, I am pleased we are taking action to change this process. I hope our changes will bring better governance to one of our state's greatest resources, the University of Minnesota.
In sum, this bill does a number of things that will make a real difference for our students and schools.
I will share more on other supplemental bills in future updates.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, April 28th, and Minnesotans are being encouraged to safely dispose of unused opioids. From 10 AM to 2 PM, you can drop off your unused or expired medication at a number of locations in the metro area.
Opioid addiction is an important issue we’re working on at the Capitol this year. You can learn more about National Take Back Day here.
Around the Community
Ramsey Parks and Recreation
There are plenty of fun activities in Ramsey this month! Check out the Ramsey Parks and Recreation event calendar here for more information.
Anoka Spring Recycling Event
8 AM to Noon on Saturday, April 28, Anoka is hosting its spring recycling event at 501 Pierce Street. There is free recycling for a number of things including appliances, batteries, bikes, scrap metal and more. There is also a fee for some items like electronics, mattresses, and tires. Check out more about the event here.
Anoka County Library
The Anoka County Library has a number of events going on every day for families and kids of all ages, including family story time, read to a dog, LEGO building, and more. You can check out the full calendar of events at anokacountylibrary.org.
Anoka County Senior Expo
The Anoka County Senior Expo is Saturday, May 12 from 9 AM to Noon at Lord of Life Church in Ramsey. There will be a free pancake breakfast, blood pressure checks, memory screenings, information booths, and more. If you have questions, call Mary at 763-760-3699.
Senior Volunteering
Are you 55 or over and looking to make a difference in our community? Consider joining Anoka County’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program where they match you with non-profits based on your skills and interests. To find out more about the program and how to enroll, visit anokacounty.us/rsvp.
Anoka Diva Days
Anoka Diva Days runs May 3-5 in historic downtown Anoka. There will be giveaways, shopping, and special events at many local boutiques and restaurants. There will also be a scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes. You can learn more here.
Anoka Classic Car Show
The 2018 Anoka Classic Car Show begins on May 19, and will take place Saturdays from 5:00 PM through dusk throughout the summer in downtown Anoka. Get all the details here.
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Please know my office is available should you need assistance on a matter of state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn. I also welcome your input and ideas on legislation and matters moving through the Minnesota House. I am here to serve you and it is a joy! Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Abigail