Dear Neighbors,
The House passed a large number of our policy and finance bills this week. I've included some highlights below.
Tax Relief for Minnesotans
On Wednesday, the House approved the omnibus Tax bill. This bill provides nearly $2 billion in tax relief for middle-class Minnesotans and invests in things that matter most to Minnesotans, like roads and bridges, education, and our nursing homes.
Some key provisions will provide relief to singles and families with dependent children, those on social security, farmers, and those with student loan debt:
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A NEW state version of the personal or dependent exemption on tax returns equal to 25 percent of the federal exemption
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Phasing-out the tax on social security. (Minnesota is currently one of only seven states that tax social security income at the same level as the federal government)
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A property tax credit that reduces farmers disproportionate share of school district debt service.
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Expansion of the education deduction for families with pre-kindergarteners (to include pre-kindergarten expenses).
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A NEW tax credit for principal and interest loan payments on student loans.
Born Alive Infant Act Included in Omnibus Health and Human Services Bill
Early Wednesday morning, the House approved the omnibus Health and Human Services bill. This bill protects the most vulnerable, while expanding access to quality, affordable care for all Minnesotans.
I was fortunate to have a provision that I authored included in the bill - the Born Alive Infant Protection Act. It strengthens Minnesota laws pertaining to children who are born alive after an attempted abortion.
Under current state and federal law, infants born alive as a result of failed abortions are recognized as a “person”, but the law does little else. There is no clear consequence for physicians who fail to provide care to these infants despite the Born Alive Infant Protection Act passed by Congress more than a decade ago. This provision addresses that issue and includes civil remedies for physicians who fail to provide care to these infants.
Protecting our most vulnerable is one of my top priorities and I will continue to proudly stand for life as long as I have the privilege to serve. And a special thank you to Chairman Matt Dean for including this provision in his committee’s omnibus bill.
Student Based Education Bill Passes
Last Saturday, the House passed the Education omnibus bill. Education is a top priority for Minnesotans, and our student-focused legislation offers research-based reforms to ensure we’re offering all students a quality, well-rounded education.
Some of the policy reforms in our bill include:
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Increase the quality of teaching by limiting placement of students with ineffective teaching. It also empowers school districts and local unions to negotiate a plan for potential teacher layoffs that incorporates teacher evaluations, among other locally determined criteria. Seniority will still factor into staff retention decisions, but will not be the only factor.
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Increase access to quality teachers through out-of-state teacher license recognition, encouraging regional licensure reciprocity, streamlining alternative pathways to teaching, and reinstating other licensure options.
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Empower school districts to tap community experts to fill unmet needs to maintain or expand academic opportunities for students, such as shop or carpentry classes.
I also had a provision in this bill that delays the review of Minnesota’s math standards until the 2020/2021 school year. This is helpful for students, teachers, and administrators, given the cumbersome and expensive process that occurs whenever education standards are reviewed. Minnesota already has some of the highest testing standards in the nation, and based on nationally recognized comparative test results, our 4th graders are number 1 in the nation.
Bill Funding Higher Education Approved by House
On Monday, the House passed its Higher Education Omnibus bill. Included in the bill are provisions to lower student debt, get students career-ready, and improve student safety on campus.
The bill also freezes and lowers tuition for 410,000 students at our MNSCU colleges.
Additionally, the bill provides $1.2 billion funding to the University of Minnesota, and $1.3 billion funding to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system (MNSCU).
Staying in Touch
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments, or concerns on anything related to state government. It would be an honor to discuss your ideas on how we can make Minnesota better for everyone. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn. You can also stay up-to-date on everything that is happening in St. Paul by visiting my Facebook page and Twitter account.
Thank you and enjoy your weekend,
Abigail