In This Edition:
- Town Hall Feb. 24
- Tax Conformity
- Congratulations EPHS Dancers!
- MNLARS
- Around the Community
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol and around the community.
Town Hall February 24
I am hosting a Town Hall at Eden Prairie Library in their large meeting room on Saturday, February 24 from 10-11:30 AM.
The 2018 legislative session begins February 20, and this town hall provides an excellent opportunity to preview issues that will be addressed this year, as well as gather feedback from residents about their priorities for state government. I welcome and encourage members of our community to attend.
I hope to see you there!
2018 Session
As noted above, the 2018 legislative session starts on February 20. We will be tackling a number of issues this session including federal tax conformity, MNLARS, health care, education reform and much more.
As always, if you have input or ideas about what you would like to see happen this session or concerns about legislation, please don’t hesitate to reach me at rep.jenifer.loon@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-7449. Your input helps me better represent the people and priorities of our community. I look forward to hearing from you!
Tax Conformity
One key issue we will be working on this session is federal tax conformity. Late last year, Congress passed sweeping tax reform legislation, and my goal is to ensure residents in Eden Prairie will be able to take full advantage of that tax relief and keep more of their hard-earned money. Conformity with federal tax laws also simplifies the filing process, saving taxpayers time and money.
Current estimates from the Minnesota Department of Revenue are that federal conformity at the state level will lead to increased revenue of approximately $850 million in Fiscal Years 2018-19, and $1.5 billion in Fiscal Years 2020-2021. The House Tax Committee, on which I serve, will be working diligently this session to craft a robust conformity bill so that these revenues are returned to the taxpayers.
Because of the vast changes at the federal level, federal conformity will be more complicated than in past years, but we will champion a conformity plan that best serves taxpayers and positions Minnesota to be competitive in keeping and attracting good-paying jobs and skilled workers to our state.
Congratulations EPHS Dance Team Members
Congratulations to the members of the Eden Prairie High School Dance Team who participated in the Super Bowl halftime show! Way to represent your hometown and make your community proud!
MNLARS
Since its failed launch last summer, the new Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS) has been an expensive disaster. Over the past decade, taxpayers have spent nearly $100 million to build the new system, and now the Administration is asking for another $43 million to fix it. That’s unacceptable. Many persons have contacted my office to seek help getting their license tabs, often waiting months for a routine renewal.
I will be seeking a full accounting of how this new system roll out went so wrong, and advocating for fiscally-responsible, commonsense solutions to this problem. As our state works to be able to comply with REAL ID requirements by federal deadlines, it is critical that we get this right.
If you have had issues with the new MNLARS system including renewing tabs or transferring titles, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office for assistance.
Around the Community
Attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for New Horizon Academy on York Avenue in St. Paul recently
Thank you to Hennepin County Technical College in Eden Prairie for the tour!
With Eden Prairie native and member of the Concordia national championship volleyball team, Elizabeth Mohr at the governor’s residence. He hosted a reception for the team. Well done to Elizabeth and the whole team for their national title!
Had a wonderful time with EP Cub Scouts, showing them around our newly renovated Capitol on a recent Saturday morning. A great group of scouts and parents!
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If you need assistance on a matter related to state government, or have questions, comments or suggestions about what is happening in the Legislature, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. I am here to serve you!
Sincerely,
Jenifer Loon