Last year’s tax bill comes back to the table

After a year’s hiatus, the conference committee on last year’s tax bill, HF848, reconvened Wednesday. And what a difference a year makes – the last time the group gathered, they were looking at a House proposal of $2 billion in tax relief; however, this year, the House Republicans are looking to no more than $450 million in relief.

With no compromise on spending targets from the governor, Senate and House leadership, there was little the group could do today, except adopt some noncontroversial items that don’t require dollars, and, said Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston), “let House members and staff get used to operating the microphones,” in the new Minnesota Senate Building where the meeting was held.

Davids and Sen. Rod Skoe (DFL-Clearbrook) are the conference committee chairs.

At a Tuesday press conference, Davids said he expects the House revised omnibus tax bill to contain provisions to reduce taxes on Social Security and veterans benefits; provide a tax credit for contributions to college savings plans and a dependent care tax credit.

Davids expects the group to reconvene possibly yet today. Check out the day’s schedule.

Besides Davids and Skoe, members of the committee are Reps. Steve Drazkowski (R-Mazeppa), Chris Swedzinski (R-Ghent), Bob Barrett (R-Taylors Falls) and Gene Pelowski (DFL-Winona); Sens. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope), Lyle Koenen (DFL-Clara City), Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Mpls) and Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa).