Dear Friends,
I hope 2014 is going well for you so far, and that you're staying warm in these frigid temperatures. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve the communities of Coon Rapids and Champlin at the legislature in 2014, and am looking forward to what I hope will be a productive session.
The legislature returns in late February, but we're already starting to see some activity and discussions underway for legislation to be tackled when session begins.
I have signed on as a co-author to multiple bills, including legislation that would repeal the warehousing tax -- a proposal that enjoys broad bipartisan support, as well as legislation that would repeal all of the harmful business-to-business taxes that were passed last year.
The legislature is also likely to try to undo some of the new taxes that resulted from the legislature's failure to conform to the federal tax code. Families now pay taxes for things like employer-provided tuition assistance, adoption services and military education benefits.
With the state's projected budget surplus, I'm hopeful that we can undo some of the mistakes that were made last session and ease some of the tax burden that was put onto Minnesota families.
If you have suggestions for legislation that can help create jobs, cut government waste, or make life easier for Minnesotans, please let me know.
I'm always available through email at
rep.mark.uglem@house.mn, or you can call my office at
651-296-5513. I am also happy to schedule a meeting for lunch or coffee somewhere in district or in St. Paul if you are interested in talking about issues of importance to you.
Stay warm out there,
Mark Uglem
State Representative, District 36A