Friends and Neighbors,
Session is now in full swing, and I want to keep you informed on what is happening in St. Paul.
Survey
The legislature is considering a number of important proposals this year. I would love to hear from you about what the legislature’s priorities should be this session and would encourage you to fill out my survey here.
Your opinions are important to me and your input would be very valuable.
B2B Taxes and Federal Conformity
I am pleased to announce that the House voted to repeal three harmful business-to-business taxes passed during the 2013 session and conform Minnesota’s tax code to several federal provisions.
House File 1777 was passed on a bipartisan vote Thursday, March 6th, and would repeal the sales tax on commercial and farm equipment repair, telecommunications equipment and warehousing/storage. This is fantastic news for businesses in our district. Many businesses are considering packing up and moving next door to Hudson. I hope that the Senate and Governor Dayton will act on this bill soon. If signed into law, the warehousing tax, which was to be implemented in April, will never go into effect.
HF 1777 also included about $200 million worth of deductions to Minnesota tax filers meaning more money in your pocket. It was unfortunate that the increased Standard Deduction for married filers and the increased Eligible Expense Limit for Dependent Care Credits were not included in the federal conformity. This would have saved working families an average of $200 a year to help with household expenses.
I am hopeful the Senate will move on this bill quickly and get it signed into law. Tax filing deadlines are coming up fast and it is the job of the legislature to get this done for Minnesota taxpayers.
Update on Minimum Wage
The conference committee between the House and Senate is still negotiating the final version of the minimum wage bill and is currently at a stalemate. Democrats in the House want $9.50/hr with inflationary triggers built in to keep growing the minimum wage going forward. Senate Democrats, after originally voting to increase the minimum wage to $7.75/hr last year, are willing to meet the House at $9.50/hr with no inflationary triggers.
Once the conference committee does come to an agreement, this will be the final version of the bill and it is expected to pass quickly and be signed into law by Governor Dayton.
I am extremely concerned about the unintended consequences of this dramatic minimum wage increase. I support the strong hospitality industry in Woodbury and believe a $9.50/hr minimum wage would cause small business owners to freeze hiring, cut staff or even close their doors.
I will continue to monitor this bill’s progression and update you on its status.
Sex Offender Bill Passes House Public Safety Committee
A bill I authored, House File 1851, passed the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee Wednesday afternoon. The bill expands the felony 5th degree sexual conduct offense for people who commit sex crimes and have a previous criminal record related to sexual misconduct.
Protecting Minnesota citizens is so important, and this bill increases the sentence for repeat offenders. HF 1851 has strong bipartisan support, and I am hopeful it will continue to move through the House and Senate this session and be signed into law by Governor Dayton.
As always, I am honored to serve you in St. Paul. If I can ever assist you on a matter of state government, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully,
Rep. Andrea Kieffer, Woodbury
651-296-1147
Rep.Andrea.Kieffer@house.mn