ST. PAUL, Minn.—We are one month into the 2014 legislative session, the second year of this biennial cycle. When the Speaker of the House strikes his gavel and adjourns the legislative assembly later this spring, it will mark the last session I faithfully serve as your state representative.
It has been such an honor serving on behalf of the people and priorities of Scott County for the last 12 years. Every constituent meeting, every problem we have solved together, and every success—no matter how little or how large—has left a lasting impression on me. I have to say, I represent one of the best districts in the state, a fact I frequently brag about to my legislative colleagues. I thank you all for everything you do to make that a reality.
It is a bittersweet good-bye. Over the years I have enjoyed working in a spirit of bipartisan cooperation to write and pass thoughtful, commonsense legislation—something all too rare in the political world these days. However, retirement from the legislature means more time with my wife, Karen, our children and growing family of grandchildren.
Be assured I will continue to fulfill my duties through the end of my term as I fight for your liberty and defend your paychecks.
2014 Session Overview
We have reached the midway point in session where committees have reported out priority legislation that will be considered for final action on the House floor. More than 3,000 bills have been introduced over the past two years—not exactly the law-repealing “unsession” taxpayers were promised.
Both the House and the Senate recently passed an omnibus Tax Bill that gives back less than a quarter of the $2 billion in new taxes that were imposed on hardworking Minnesotans last year.
Folks in Scott County will be glad to know we repealed three job-killing business-to-business taxes and the rare, “double whammy” gift tax. We also enacted tax conformity, which means some Minnesotans are eligible for bigger refunds for tax year 2013. The Dept. of Revenue has said it will contact taxpayers directly who have already filed and qualify for an additional refund.
At the end of the day, I would have preferred real tax relief, being that taxpayers are still on the hook for $1.7 billion in new taxes and the state currently has room in its budget with a $1 billion surplus. But I believe liberal leaders took a step in the right direction by acknowledging and repealing some of their ill-advised tax hikes.
My colleagues in charge of the House Transportation committee scaled back their original proposal to increase taxes by $750 million per year on anyone who drives a vehicle or purchases items in the 7-county metro area. Their new proposal spends a modest $50 million of the budget surplus, with $15 million allocated to the Met Council for bus rapid transit and free transit rides on Election Day.
If transportation funding is as high a priority as I think it is, I believe we could have certainly put more of the surplus funds toward road and bridge projects and accelerated next year’s construction season.
I will be sure to keep you updated on the progress of this bill and others as they make their way to the House floor. A lot can change between now and the end of session.
Again, I thank you all, whether you voted for me or not, for the amazing experience of serving you in St. Paul. As always I welcome your comments and thoughts. Please contact me at any time. I can be reached at 651-296-8872 or by email at rep.mike.beard@house.mn.