Dear Friends,
With just over a month left to go this session, we remain hard at work here at the legislature. Nearly all of our committee work has been completed, and we are in session nearly every day of the week, Monday through Saturday, debating and passing the bills that will make up the 2014-2015 biennium budget.
Tax Bill
I want to thank those of you who contacted Rep. Lenczewski last week to urge her to include the Veterans' Hiring Tax Credit bill, HF 532, as a part of the Tax Omnibus bill, HF 677. A version of the tax credit was included in the final version. I'm grateful to Rep. Lenczewski for her consideration and the inclusion of the Vets Tax credit. It's a good bill, and will undoubtedly have a positive impact should it make it into law.
The Tax Omnibus bill also includes raising $2.6 billion dollars in taxes, including taxes on alcohol, cigarettes, and sports memorabilia that would impact hardworking low and middle-class taxpayers. In addition to these taxes, the main revenue source for the tax bill is a 4th-tier 8.49% rate for couples with a taxable income on families making more than $400,000 per year, or individuals making more than $226,200. It also includes a temporary 4% income surcharge on incomes greater than $500,000. That would make the top tax rate 12.49%, which would be among the highest in the country.
What do you think? I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the Tax Omnibus bill.
Thank You
I want to thank the employees from Dakota Electric who visited me at the Capitol this week to share their concerns about some of the energy proposals making their way through the legislature that could come up as a part of the Omnibus Energy Policy bill, HF 956, later this session.
Their concerns center around the potential rate increases that would increase costs for the electric company, and could be passed on in the form of higher energy bills for hardworking taxpayers.
Our Miss Brooks
Last week I had the chance to attend the Rosemount Middle School production of "Our Miss Brooks." I was so impressed with the talent of our Rosemount Middle Schoolers, and encourage you to attend productions of other school plays in the future -- you won't regret it!
Job Fair TOMORROW, First Hour for Veterans and Active Duty Military
Tomorrow, Friday April 19th, Congressman Erik Paulsen will be hosting his 4th Annual Job Fair at Normandale Community College in Bloomington.
Employers from the health care industry, public schools, manufacturing and many other fields will be represented. There are jobs for every level of skill and education. A full listing of employers can be found here.
If you are currently seeking a job, I hope you will attend. Please also feel free to pass this information along to any family or friends who are currently searching for a job and may be interested.
Details:
DATE:
April 19th, 2013
TIME:
12:00PM-1:00PM for Veterans and Active Duty Military
1:00PM-4:00PM for all participants
LOCATION:
Normandale Community College, Partnership Center
9700 France Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55431
Stop by and Visit
My door is always open to constituents. If you ever wish to schedule a meeting if you're planning to visit the Capitol, or would like to schedule a coffee meeting in Rosemount or Apple Valley, please contact me at rep.anna.wills@house.mn or call my office at 651-296-4306. I am always interested in hearing your thoughts and feedback or answering your questions.
Have a great weekend,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B