Dear Neighbor,
Here is an update from your Capitol and community.
Tax Conformity Update
I talked last week about the tax conformity bill that was introduced in the House. On Monday, it passed with bipartisan support. With sweeping changes to tax policy at the federal level, conforming Minnesota’s tax code to federal tax code provides our state with a significant opportunity to simplify our tax code and return more to taxpayers.
In total, our conformity proposal will mean more than 2.1 million filers will see a tax cut in tax year 2018, and it includes the first income tax rate reduction in nearly twenty years.
Getting tax conformity done this session will ensure there are not undue complications when Minnesotans go to file their taxes next spring. As we work out a final agreement between the House, Senate and Governor Dayton, I will keep you updated.
Supplemental Bills
In addition to tax conformity, the House took up several other supplemental spending bills this week. I think there are a number of good proposals in the bills moving forward in the House, including some provisions I authored.
Highlights include:
- Providing $385 million for transportation needs this year, using surplus funds leveraged with trunk highway bonds to repair and improve our roads and bridges
- Reinstating the impending 7 percent cut to the Disability Waiver Rate System
- Protecting our environment by encouraging less salt use in the winter months to protect our lakes, rivers and streams
- Addressing vulnerable adult abuse and neglect, strengthening the tools the state can use against perpetrators of abuse and holding state agencies accountable for their shortcomings on maltreatment investigations
- Strengthening penalties for those who assault a peace officer and for sex offenders, including those who possess or disseminate child pornography
- Funding three new veterans homes in Minnesota with excess Stadium Reserve Funds
- Cutting the MNsure tax on health plans to help lower health care costs for Minnesotans
As we head into the last few weeks of session, the House, Senate and Governor Dayton will be looking to find common ground between our competing supplemental proposals. I believe there is quite a bit of overlap and room for bipartisan compromise on these measures, and look forward to continuing to advocate for the people and priorities of Edina throughout this process. Stay tuned for more information in future updates.
At the Capitol and Around the Community
It was wonderful to host the Edina Girls’ Hockey Team at the Capitol, and recognize these talented young athletes and coaches for an extraordinary state championship victory this year. I presented them with a House Resolution on Monday, and they received a standing ovation on the House Floor. It was well deserved. Way to go Hornets for a fantastic season and for making your community proud!
Celebrating my birthday during session on Wednesday! I think cake is a great bipartisan dessert that brings us all together.
Another great group of high school pages this week. I always appreciate hearing their insights and ideas for state government. Thank you for meeting with me!
Had an amazing evening with these great kids from the A Better Chance program in Edina on Friday night! A great event for a great cause!
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Please know my office is available to you should you need assistance on a matter of state government. I welcome you to contact my office at any time to share your thoughts, concerns and ideas about what you would like to see happen at the Capitol. Your input is invaluable and helps me better represent the voices and priorities of our community. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4363 or by email at Rep.Dario.Anselmo@House.mn.
Sincerely,
Dario
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