Friends,
It looks like we have a gorgeous Mother's Day and Fishing Opener weekend to look forward to weather-wise. I hope you have the opportunity to get out and enjoy it and maybe I'll see you at the Osseo Car Show on Saturday (see more on that below.) At the Capitol, we've began to passed most our budget bills out of the House and they're on their way to the Governor. We plan to finish this process on Monday when Governor Dayton will have an entire set of balanced budget bills to sign into law. While he has not shown a willingness to negotiate in earnest to get the budget complete and on time, it is our hope the Governor will finally engage. Below you can read about the highlights of a few key bills as you enjoy the weekend.
Rep. Smith (right) with a constituent and Speaker Daudt (left) at the Speaker's Rostrum
Tax Relief & Reform Plan
Our tax plan provides over $1.1 billion in long-overdue tax relief for middle-class Minnesotans. Included in the bill are two provisions I authored. The first, will clarify that not all food sold through vending machines is subject to sales tax. The second is the a provision that will allow Maple Grove more flexibility in creating TIF zones in order to spur economic development. This is a good bill for Minnesota that I hope Governor Dayton will sign.
Education Budget Bill Passed House & Senate
REAL ID Conference Committee
We continue to discuss how best to solves our differences and come to a solution so that Minnesotans are able to get a REAL ID. As a reminder, you can watch the video I put together on REAL ID here.
Osseo Vintage Car Show this Saturday
This Saturday is the 25th Annual Vintage Car Show and Craft Sale in Osseo. It's always a great time and hopefully I'll see you there. Click here or view the flyer below for details.
Please continue to share your thoughts with me about our state government; bill ideas and concerns are welcomed! I am honored to serve you at the Capitol. My email address is Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, phone number 651-296-5502, and by mail: 375 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a great weekend!
Dennis