Dear Neighbors,
Six weeks remain in the 2016 session. Omnibus bills are coming together and legislators are working to ensure fiscal bills are staying within the parameters of the recently released budget targets.
I’ve been staying busy, not only in Saint Paul, but in the district as well and wanted to take a moment to share with you some updates happening around our neighborhood.
State of the #191 School District
Superintendent Joe Gothard delivered the State of the District Address at Burnsville High School on the evening of April 5.
Superintendent’s Gothard’s main focus was on giving details of Vision One 91. The construction at the High School is evident as you approach the campus, but there are changes going on in other schools as well. New programs and technology are also part of the changes going on to prepare students for the future. Pathways is a new model to help high school students plan for college and career options. One category is Arts, Global Communications, and Information Systems. Another is Design, Engineering, & Manufacturing Technologies. Six students gave their perspectives on what they liked about their educational experiences in the district. I was so impressed by the exciting opportunities being offered to students in the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District.
Burnsville Students Contribute to Local Transit Project
Last week, Burnsville High School students taking the business elective, Interactive Design, produced interior panels for display in local and express Minnesota Valley Transit Authority buses. These panels’ purpose is to encourage positive community relations by promoting school spirit, transit and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, a support and advocacy group for military families.
Winners were announced by the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Foundation. I would like to offer a warm congratulations to winners Senior Jeremy Colegrove and Junior Osiris Keegan of Burnsville for their transit and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon themed panels.
Keep up the great work!
Survey
The legislative session is still underway and an array of bills continue to be discussed. Several issues remain unresolved in the Taxes and Transportation conference committees. I value your input and would appreciate gaining your perspective on these important issues facing our state. You can access my survey at this website: https://www.surveymonkey.com/
Tax Deadline Day is April 18
The 2016 income tax filing season ends at midnight on Monday, April 18, so you have a few extra days to file this year. If you have not filed yet, the Minnesota Department of Revenue offers these tips to help taxpayers:
File your return by the April 18, 2016 due date, even if you owe more than you can pay. Pay as much as you can by the due date and contact the Minnesota Dept. of Revenue as soon as possible to set up a payment plan for the remaining balance. Acting quickly can help to minimize any late payment penalties. For more information about making your payment electronically, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue website.
For more individual income tax filing tips, check out the Minnesota Department of Revenue Weekly Tax Tip video series.
Please feel free to contact me on any state related issue that is important to you. I can be reached at 651-296-3533 or by email at rep.sandra.masin@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Sandy Masin
State Representative