Dear Neighbors,
The week has been filled with debates and votes on omnibus finance legislation and a tax conformity bill. We’ve also finally received the majority’s bonding proposal for this session. Here are the latest updates from the Capitol:
Tax Conformity
The week began with debate on the Republican bill to modify Minnesota’s tax code after major changes at the federal level. Gov. Dayton released his proposal weeks ago. It was much more specifically targeted, including larger tax cuts for Minnesota families and deductions for small businesses and farmers.
The majority’s bill has long-term negative effects despite some claims made on the floor by members on the other side of the aisle. I would advise ignoring talking points and instead, read the bill yourself.
Public Safety
The Public Safety Finance omnibus bill was debated on Tuesday and I was disappointed in the tone of this bill. In the past, public safety has been more of a bipartisan bill, but the anti-protestor language, lack of universal criminal background checks, and numerous other unacceptable provisions dropped in by the majority earned a ‘no’ vote from me.
Visitors
This week, I met with students from Immanuel Lutheran School and Dakota Meadows Middle School in Mankato and advocates attending Clean Water Day on the Hill.
Small Business Week
Governor Dayton proclaimed Tuesday “Small Helps All Day.” This week marks National Small Business Week. The United States has celebrated Small Business Week since 1963, acknowledging the contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Minnesota has more than 503,000 small businesses, which employ approximately 47 percent of Minnesota’s workforce.
To learn more about the tools and resources available to entrepreneurs interested in starting a business in Minnesota, click here.
As session draws to a close, please continue to reach out with your ideas and input on legislative matters.
Sincerely,
Jack Considine
State Representative