Dear Neighbors,
I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Here is an update on the latest news from St. Paul.
Tax Relief for Veterans
Governor Dayton signed a Supplemental Budget Bill into law earlier this week that included a historic tax cut for more than 18,000 Minnesota veterans. For the men and women who have bravely served our nation, their military retirement benefits will now be exempt from state income tax. This tax change is long overdue, and I am pleased it was signed into law.
In addition to military retirement pay exemptions, the new bill also includes money for the Angel Investor Tax Credit and a new tax credit for parents of stillborn children—a provision I am especially proud of because the idea was brought to me by a family in Rogers.
Body Cameras
Another bill Governor Dayton signed into law this week was a hotly debated topic this session—body cameras for law enforcement. Body cameras are small and clip onto a police officer's uniform. That camera then records with the intent of clearly showing that any engagement between police and citizens are lawful and appropriate.
With this new law that clearly outlines rules and requirements for law enforcement to use body cameras and retain recorded data, the Maple Grove Police Department plans to move forward with new body cameras for their officers this summer. Many police departments across the state, along with a number of citizen groups were looking for state laws to be put in place this year.
Provisions in the new law include allowing video footage to be public if an officer causes someone substantial bodily harm or discharges a weapon and allowing people recorded by a body camera to obtain that data with an option to make it public.
I believe this new law is important to offer clarity and consistency to law enforcement and citizens about what is and is not acceptable when using this technology and am pleased it was signed into law.
The Tax Bill and Special Session
On Wednesday, Governor Dayton stated he was holding off on taking action on the bipartisan tax bill we sent to him over a small drafting error and his request to permanently reinstate a tax exemption for the Minnesota State High School League. House Republicans agreed to those two changes which would enable him to sign the Omnibus Tax Bill.
Governor Dayton has stated he would not hold our tax relief legislation hostage to transportation and bonding which were left outstanding at the end of the 2016 session, and I hope he keeps to his word.
As negotiations between House Republican leadership, Senate DFL leadership and the governor continue, I will keep you updated on the latest news regarding a potential Special Session.
I am hopeful Governor Dayton will act on the bipartisan tax bill soon, as the legislation provides more than half a billion in ongoing and permanent tax cuts to middle-class families, small businesses, veterans, college graduates and hardworking taxpayers.
Peppin's MinnTriv
Thank you to everyone who participated in the last Peppin's MinnTriv quiz!
"In 1913, the Gates Mansion was built for Charles Gilbert Gates, and it was the first home in the nation to have air conditioning" was the answer to last week's trivia question: In 1913, a 38,000 square foot home was built in Minneapolis that was made famous for two reasons. Who owned the home, and why was the home famous?
Congratulations to Robb Meyers from Maple Grove for having the first correct response!
Here is this week's question: What Minnesota attraction was named one of our state's 10 most endangered historic places in 2009? Where was it located?
Reply to this email with your answer, and I'll share the winner of the Peppin MinnTriv question in my next legislative update.
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As always, if you have any questions or concerns on an issue relating to state government, my office is available to help. My direct line is 651-296-7806. My email address is rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn and my mailing address is Room 459 State Office Building, 100 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Joyce
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/34A