Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from St. Paul.
Transportation Omnibus Bill Passes House
As I mentioned last week in my update, the House debated and passed its Transportation Omnibus Bill on Tuesday. Not only does this bill provide substantial funding for our roads and bridges without raising the gas tax or metro area sales tax, but it also includes my provision which funds a safety study at the 694/494/94 interchange in Woodbury, the second most highly traveled interchange in the state. I am hopeful this study is signed into law by Governor Dayton because it will jumpstart improvements to this stretch of road in our community.
I will keep you updated on transportation funding as we continue to work toward the end of session and the final passage of budget bills.
Tax Bill Unveiled
This week, Republicans unveiled their Tax Omnibus Bill which offers $2 billion in tax relief to Minnesota families, seniors and job creators.
Woodbury is home to many young families, and if our tax plan becomes laws, it will mean additional tax credits to help ease the costs of daycare, pre-k and education expenses, college savings and college supplies like text books.
Additionally, for aging Minnesotans and Baby Boomers, our bill would phase-out the income tax on social security as well as exempting military pay and pensions from income tax.
Finally, living so near to Wisconsin, we know how important it is to attract businesses to our side of the border. Included in the Tax Omnibus Bill is a phase-out the statewide general property tax which will lower prices for consumers and help increase employee wages. Furthermore, to encourage entrepreneurial innovation, we include $101.9 million for research and development tax credits and add another $6 million to the Minnesota Angel Investment tax credit.
Prioritizing hardworking Minnesota taxpayers is important in a high tax state like ours, and I am pleased this bill will lessen the tax burden for people in our community.
The Tax Omnibus Bill is expected to be debated on the House Floor next week.
Woodbury Expo Saturday
On Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM is the Woodbury Community Expo put on by the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce. It will be held at East Ridge High School.
This is a great, free event to learn more about our local area businesses and a fantastic community gathering. I hope you'll be able to stop by and check it out!
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As your voice in St. Paul, if I can be of any assistance to you or your family on a matter of state government, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Kelly
Don’t forget to “like” me on Facebook to learn more about what’s happening at the Capitol.