Dear friends,
It has been a busy start to the legislative session and both the House and Senate majorities have introduced their priority bills for the session. The House unanimously passed the Tax Conformity bill, which conforms the state tax code to the federal tax code. The Senate is expected to pass the bill quickly so that Minnesotans can get their maximum tax refunds when filing their 2014 tax returns, including:
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Higher education tuition deduction.
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Educator classroom expenses deduction.
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Mortgage insurance premiums deduction.
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Discharge of indebtedness on principal residence exclusion.
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Direct transfers from IRAs to charities.
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More generous provisions for conservation easement charitable contributions.
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Enhanced charitable deduction for contributions of food inventory by pass-through entities.
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Tax treatment of new tax-preferred savings accounts for disabled individuals.
DHS Receives National Award
Last year, the Legislature passed a bill designed to combat the rise of “synthetic drugs,” which are chemically laced substances designed to imitate the effect of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The bill we passed included funding for the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to create a website highlighting the hazards of these synthetic drugs. The new website, KnowTheDangers.com, recently received a Silver Award in the 16th annual Web Health Awards program, which recognizes the nation’s best digital health resources. It was chosen from nearly 400 entries from such prestigious organizations as the National Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and BlueCross Blue Shield. Thanks to DHS and their talented staff and partners for helping Minnesota fight back against synthetic drugs!
Town Hall Meeting
Senator Bev Scalze, Representative Jason Isaacson and I will be hosting a town hall meeting Saturday, January 31, at Shoreview City Hall (4600 Victoria St. N) from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. We will be discussing what's happening at the Capitol with members of our community and answering questions. I hope to see you there!
Please contact me anytime during the legislative session with your input. I can be reached by phone at (651) 296-0141 or by email at rep.barb.yarusso@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Barb Yarusso
State Representative