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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Paul Anderson (R)

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Tax relief to Minnesotans; advocating for Greater Minnesota

Friday, January 16, 2015
Dear Neighbor,
 
 
Just want to pass along a couple of items as we wrap up Week 2 of business at the Capitol.
 
 
First of all, the House passed an important bill yesterday afternoon, providing some relief for Minnesotans as they file their taxes this season. The bill (H.F. 6) matches Minnesota’s tax code with some of the federal tax changes made since 2013. The changes are effective for all 2014 tax returns and, in total, provide $19.9 million in immediate tax relief to Minnesotans.
 
 
Key provisions of the bill include:
  • Higher education tuition deduction
    • $2.1 million in fiscal year 2015; about 9,000 returns; $70 average tax decrease
  • Educator classroom expenses deduction
  • $1.2 million in fiscal year 2015; about 60,000 returns, $20 average tax decrease
  • $4.6 million in fiscal year 2015; about 60,000 returns; $75 average tax decrease
  • Mortgage insurance premiums deduction

 

Other provisions in the bill pertain to charitable contributions and assist small businesses. It was good we got this through quickly so people have ample time to take advantage before the April 15 deadline.
 
 
In other news, I am honored to have been elected this week as a co-chair of a group of legislators which advances the interests of Greater Minnesota – Republican Rural Caucus. I have been a member of the group since I began serving in the Legislature in 2009.
 
 
Rural issues are front and center this session. We see the crisis in the long term care industry as one of the biggest topics that need to be addressed during this session. Transportation and the over-regulation of our cities, businesses, and agricultural interests are the other major issues we will take a hard look at. Sen. Bill Weber, R-Luverne, is serving as the panel’s other co-chair.
 
 
I encourage area residents to provide me with input regarding issues in Greater Minnesota by emailing rep.paul.anderson@house.mn or by calling (651) 296-4317.
 
 
Sincerely,
Paul