Dear Friends,
The legislature is entering the home stretch with conference committees starting up that will negotiate the differences between House and Senate budget bills.
The big news from this week:
Tax Relief for Families
The House passed our omnibus tax bill this week, a $2 billion tax cut that includes significant tax relief for families. Here are just some of the people that would benefit:
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College students and their families who would receive a tax credit for contributions to a college savings plan, as well as a credit for principal and interest for student loan payments
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Families with pre-kindergarteners benefit from an expansion of the education deduction to include Pre-K expenses
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Seniors who benefit from the phase out of the social security tax
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Veterans who benefit from the phase out of the tax on military retirement pay
Those are just some of the great provisions included in this bill that would put more money back in the pockets of families. I hope the Governor and the Senate will increase the amount of tax relief they want to give to families as we wrap up session. Both the Senate and the Governor are proposing just a fraction of the tax relief that families deserve.
Senior care benefits from HHS bill
The Health and Human Services bill that passed this week includes a total reform of nursing home reimbursements that will result in $138 million in increased funding for nursing homes. Our bill also prioritizes those who care for our most vulnerable, allocating $90 million for a boost to home and community-based caregivers. Finally, the bill reforms our child protection laws to make sure no child falls through the cracks.
Most importantly, our bill bends the cost curve. State health care costs are rising at an unsustainable rate, far faster than family budgets are growing. Unless we make efforts to reform our health programs, health spending will prevent us from properly funding roads and bridges, education, and other key parts of our budget.
As always, don't hesitate to email me at rep.mark.uglem@house.mn or call 651-296-5513 with your questions, comments, or concerns. You can also follow my updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repmarkuglem.
Have a great weekend,
Mark Uglem
State Representative, District 36A