Friends and neighbors,
We have returned from the Easter and Passover break and are back at work for Minnesota families. I have had a very busy week introducing my legislation before committees and joining my colleagues in proposing legislation to give Minnesotans some much-needed tax relief.
I presented four bills in committee this week. HF1416, my bill to reform the unemployment insurance tax, will provide $574 million in tax relief to Minnesota’s job creators, and will be a perpetual tax cut in times of prosperity. I’m proud to report that this bill will be included in the Job Growth and Energy Affordability omnibus bill and will soon be on the House floor for its passage. I have also authored a business-friendly bill, HF1470, which makes technical changes to business filings with the Secretary of State’s office. My bill will be a part of the State Government Finance omnibus bill. HF1901, which makes changes to Minnesota’s Estate Tax, passed the Taxes committee this week and will be on the floor as a stand-alone bill, where I will have the opportunity to convince my colleagues to pass this importance piece of legislation which will protect Minnesota families after the death of a loved one. My final bill of the week, HF1843, was heard in the Health and Human Services Finance committee this week. This bill creates a mobile system for families in need to get nutritious meals closer to home. This bill is being considered for possible inclusion in the Health and Human Services Finance omnibus bill.
Yesterday, I signed on to a bill presented by my colleague, Rep. Jon Koznick, which will cut all income tax rates by one-half of a percentage point. I believe that Minnesota families have been severely overtaxed, and this bill provides some much-needed relief that will allow families the opportunity to spend their hard-earned dollars in the way they best see fit. I’m proud to be a co-author, and to have the opportunity to discuss tax relief proposals with my colleagues so that we can help all Minnesota families.
Please do not forget to stop by my office to visit! It was great to see the Schultz family this past week, as well as several other constituents that met with me to express their thoughts on legislation before the House. Thank you to the constituents to came by to share their thoughts on Highway 169, as well as those that reaffirmed my belief in smart, local educational standards for our children.
Please do not forget to share your thoughts by taking my Legislative Survey. You can also call me at (651) 296-5502 or email me at Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn to schedule a time to visit me in St. Paul to discuss the issues that matter most to you and your family.
It is an honor to serve you,
Dennis