We are a month into the legislative session and committees have been meeting to hear overviews of agency budgets and priorities. Committees meet on a pre-determined schedule with an agenda posted prior to each meeting so the public can be aware of what the topic of discussion will be. As we move along, the agendas coming before committees will include more specific bills related to budget or policy, however, at this point many of the meetings consist of listening to Commissioners and Government Affairs personnel at each state agency or department give an overview of agency responsibilities.
Although the committee time fills a good part of each day while I am in St. Paul, when constituents come to visit I am happy to take the time to visit with them. In the recent weeks, I have had supper with County Farm Bureau presidents, talked about legislative initiatives with representatives from the city of Austin, discussed policy proposals of interest to AARP advocates, and learned more about fire safety initiatives from our local fire fighters. Many days I also have scheduled time with lobbyists who are interested in advocating positions on specific legislation. Not all lobbyists are paid professionals, some community groups come to St. Paul because they have an issue they are well informed or passionate about and they want to have time to educate legislators on their issue. Recently, I met with Izaak Walton members and others talking about the environment and proposals they support.
One bill already heard and acted on came just before the tax season got in full swing. You might have heard the term "federal conformity". There are times the State will opt to conform to federal rules regarding certain tax situations. The most recent example is legislation conforming the Minnesota tax code to the federal tax code. When the federal government changes national tax policy there are differences between Minnesota’s tax code and the federal tax code. The changes often are tax cuts that apply when filing federal taxes but are not the same when filing Minnesota tax forms. This can be done when the State budget is balanced or when a surplus is anticipated. In times when a budget deficit is forecast it is more difficult to swiftly act on federal tax conformity. The State is in a good financial position now allowing the legislature and Governor to act quickly. This bi-partisan effort to conform our tax codes allows for ease of understanding, for greater benefit to tax filers, and consistency. Earlier this session we passed a bill allowing the Minnesota budget to absorb $20 million in tax cuts for federal conformity in the areas of higher education tuition, teacher classroom expenses, mortgage insurance premiums, and other tax cuts. The bill passed the House 129-0 and was signed by the Governor Dayton on January 24th in time for the changes to apply for this tax season.
As Minnesotans are preparing their taxes, the good news is we have federal conformity. The process determining how to raise revenue fairly and what taxes to increase, decrease, add new or get rid of is an ongoing discussion at the Minnesota legislature. It always leads to engaged conversation and debate. This year is no different, finding the right formula that is the fairest to most people is an ongoing topic. Focusing only on what gets spent and what revenue is raised and from what sources leads some to cry foul about their own tax burden. It's important to keep in mind the value of what we get for the taxes we pay and what those taxes do to support the people and infrastructure of Minnesota. As you go about your activities today, consider the totality of what good is done and take time to appreciate the quality of life we Minnesotans enjoy.
Be thankful for the care our seniors and disabled community members receive, the quality education our school children experience, the law enforcement protection and fire response we have at a moment's notice. We have access to world-class health care, the ability to travel across roads and bridges safely, and the opportunity to reach our fullest potential through affordable higher education. Be thankful for the good, affordable, safe food we eat because of the daily efforts of farmers, and the free enterprise system allowing the business community to provide the goods and services we need and want.
I am committed to continuing our work to find balance in our complex tax system and am thankful to live in a country where robust discussion around these topics is considered healthy. Thankfully, there is a deliberate process and all sides have a chance to weigh in before the State budget is determined. If you have comments or suggestions I invite you to share those with me.
I can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4193, by mail at 291 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155, or via email at rep.jeanne.poppe@house.mn. For those who would like to receive my e-updates from the Capitol sign up on my legislative webpage, http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/27b.