Neighbors,
As we enter into final budget negotiations, I remain committed to the principles I campaigned on. The promises I made to you to ensure quality education for our students, exemplary care for our aging adults, safe and convenient transportation infrastructure, and tax relief for Minnesota families are core beliefs that govern my legislative actions.
As you may have heard, a key component stalling our budget negotiations was Governor Dayton and the DFL’s insistence that we raise the gas tax on hardworking Minnesotans. Besides the fact that the House already voted unanimously against a 6.5% gas tax, I am opposed to the notion that we must raise taxes after a $2 billion surplus demonstrated that Minnesotans were overtaxed in the last biennium. Increasing gas taxes would negatively impact the budgets of Minnesota families, costing families in our district an additional $600 per year. Allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned income ensures that you are able to spend your finances on the goods and services your family requires. I will remain opposed to a gas tax increase.
While we continue budget negotiations, I am hard at work passing bills that help Minnesota businesses and families. On Monday, the House re-passed HF262 as amended by HF1901. HF262 will help our local governments function better for our local property owners, implementing several changes to allow for a multitude of evidence for plat approval and ensuring standardized procedures for approval and cancellation. HF1901 clarifies estate tax procedures for blended family situations, ensuring that support is provided to the surviving spouse while preserving a portion of the estate for the children from the prior marriage without losing the value of the marital tax deduction. The House passed HF1770, my bill increase efficiency for local governments, on May 1st.
The governor signed all three of these bills yesterday. I am thankful to my colleagues and to the governor for their attention to these matters.
I always enjoy having visitors at the Capitol. Thank you to Osseo City Councilman Larry Stelmach for visiting me this week. It was great to hear Larry’s thoughts on the impact our bills will have on Osseo, and I appreciated having the opportunity to give him a tour of the Capitol building.
Finally, congratulations to the Maple Grove businesses that designated the “Best of Maple Grove” by Maple Grove Magazine. You can see a full list of the winners here. Maple Grove is a special place to live, work, and play, and I am proud to be your representative.
Please continue to stay in touch to share your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you and your family. You can reach me via phone at (651) 296-5502, or via email at Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Dennis