Dear neighbors,
As we near the end of the third week of the legislative session, I wanted to update you on a few items that have crossed my desk this week.
First bill passed:
Today, the Minnesota House and Senate unanimously passed the first legislation of the 2015 legislative session. The bill, HF 6, will conform Minnesota tax law to accommodate federal changes, ease filing for Minnesota residents, and clarify language related to the financing of Rochester’s Destination Medical Center (DMC). Governor Dayton is expected to sign the bill into law immediately.
Commonly known as “tax conformity”, this legislation makes necessary technical changes to Minnesota tax law that allow for increased federal deductions for items such as higher education tuition, mortgage insurance premiums, educator classroom expenses, charitable contributions, and more.
Synthetic Drugs:
Some of you will remember the legislation we passed last year regarding synthetic drugs. Part of that bill included direction and funding to DHS to create a website specific to the properties and hazards of synthetics; Sort of a one stop shop for information. If you have not seen the site, check it out at KnowTheDangers.com . Share this informative link with your schools and other community groups.
I wanted to let you know the DHS website was recently recognized with a national award. KnowTheDangers.com 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. The award-winning work was produced in partnership with the Minnesota communications firm Russell Herder, and with state agencies participating in the Minnesota State Substance Abuse Strategy.
Thanks to DHS and their talented staff and partners for helping Minnesota fight back!
Minnesota: Strongest State in the Union
In case you missed it, every year Politico compares and ranks all of the states across the nation on per capita income, low unemployment, poverty, home ownership, education, life expectancy, infant mortality, obesity and crime rates. Minnesota moved up to #1 this year, tying New Hampshire. You can read more about the rankings here.
Sincerely,
Erik Simonson
State Representative