Friends,
We’ve had some intense, long debates on the House floor this week. I thought I’d give you a quick recap of what we accomplished.
On Friday, we passed our second tax bill of the session. This bill is targeted specifically at homeowners, renters and farmers, and offers property tax relief.
If you’re a homeowner, you’re eligible for a one-time increase in your Homestead Credit Refund for 2014. Each and every homeowner receiving a refund will see a 3 percent increase, which will provide an additional $12.1 million in property tax relief to 500,000 Minnesota homeowners.
Renters also fare well. They will receive a one-time increase in their Renters’ Credit Refunds for 2014. Renters will see a 6 percent increase in their refunds, providing an additional $12.5 million in property tax relief to 350,000 Minnesota renters.
On Thursday, we debated for nine hours but finally passed a supplemental budget bill. This bill made new investments in job creation, education, public safety, transportation and health care.
Two provisions of the bill you might find interesting:
· There is $25 million to help cities and counties begin to fill in potholes. Pothole repairs have put as much stress on road budgets as the winter did on our roads. It’s not as significant as investing in all-day, every day Kindergarten, but once you hit one of these craters, you’ll be glad we made it. The $25 million we have provided to local governments will ease that burden for local taxpayers.
· We provided a 5 percent increase for our home- and community-based health care workers. Gratitude isn’t enough for these people who care for our loved ones who are elderly or disabled. We wanted to help them take care of their families.
Have a great weekend,
Dan