Dear Neighbor,
Following the email update I sent to you yesterday, I want to thank everyone who contacted the governor's office and encouraged him to sign the bipartisan tax bill. The legislation would have provided more than $800 million in tax relief, benefiting working families, college graduates, veterans and businesses in Woodbury. Unfortunately, however, Governor Dayton chose to veto the measure last night. The bill, which had support of 89 percent of the legislature, passed 123-10 in the House and 55-12 in the Senate and was the most bipartisan tax bill to be vetoed in three decades.
As regular readers of my updates know, I have long been an advocate for meaningful bipartisan tax relief for Woodbury's hardworking taxpayers, and that is why I am frustrated that the governor chose to block this legislation over his demands for a number of new spending projects. From a first-in-the-nation student loan tax credit to small business tax relief to helping reduce the cost of child care for working families, this bill had something for almost everyone.
The governor had promised not to hold this bipartisan tax bill hostage over other Special Session negotiations. Going back on his word he vetoed the measure, even after House Republicans had agreed to fix a one-word drafting error and implement a Minnesota State High School League provision the governor wanted added to the tax bill. Blocking this bipartisan tax relief measure does not serve in the interest of Minnesotans.
Please know I will continue to work for the people and priorities of Woodbury and support returning money to you through tax relief. Should any additional news come up regarding negotiations or a Special Session, I will keep you updated.
***
As always, if you need assistance on a matter of state government, I welcome you to contact me. Please don’t hesitate to call (651-296-1147), email (rep.kelly.fenton@house.mn) or stop by my office.
Sincerely,
Kelly
Don’t forget to “like” me on Facebook to learn more about what’s happening at the Capitol.