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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Sondra Erickson (R)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Sondra Erickson

Friday, May 11, 2018

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Legislation is moving through the House that would put a constitutional amendment on the ballot this fall. The legislation, authored by Transportation Finance Chair Paul Torkelson, proposes a constitutional amendment to voters that if approved would amend the Minnesota Constitution to dedicate existing sales tax revenue from the sale of motor vehicle repair and replacement parts towards roads and bridges.

Some may be surprised to hear that revenue from these automobile related sales tax is not already specifically dedicated to roads and bridges. Instead it is placed in the state’s general fund where the money can be spent on whatever the legislature chooses.

For too many years, Minnesota has had a funding shortfall when it comes to fixing our roads and bridges. It only makes sense that this sales tax revenue be dedicated for roads and bridges and I am hopeful that we can get this on the ballot in November for you, the people, to decide.

As a conferee on the Taxes conference committee, I have spent a great deal of time this week negotiating with the Senate and Governor to come to agreement on a tax conformity plan that all sides can agree to.

I am committed to ensuring that tax conformity happens this year and that you are able to keep more of your hard-earned money.

In addition to my work on the taxes conference committee, I am working hard to shepherd our House education provisions through the omnibus supplemental appropriations conference committee process. We accomplished a lot of really good things for Minnesota students and our schools this year and I want to make sure as many of our provisions as possible stay in the final bill.

Finally, the state received assurances from the federal government this week that Minnesota ID’s will be valid for boarding an airplane until at least October, 2020. This is great news as Minnesota is ready to start issuing REAL IDs this October—far in advance of the 2020 deadline.

That’s all for this week’s update. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns regarding a matter related to state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-6746 or via email at rep.sondra.erickson@house.mn.

Have a great weekend,

Sondra