Friends,
This week was a good week for middle class Minnesotans. On Thursday the House passed a $1.35 billion tax relief package that is aimed at easing the burden being felt by middle-class Minnesotans. From families with young children to seniors, our plan will provide relief to thousands of Minnesotans. On Friday we also took up the transportation budget bill that will see Minnesota make strong investments in our roads and bridges, all without raising taxes. Read about that and more below.
Come Together Right Now for Tax Relief
On a bipartisan vote of 80-52 the House of Representatives passed the "Come Together Right Now" tax bill. The House tax plan delivers long overdue tax relief to middle-class Minnesotans. Our tax plan targets relief to Minnesota’s seniors and students as well as families with young children. Thousands of hardworking Minnesotans will benefit from this tax relief package.
Highlights of the $1.35 billion in tax relief include:
- $269 million in relief for Minnesota’s senior citizens by increasing the income limit at which social security income is taxable. As a result, by 2019 nearly 284,000 senior citizen tax returns (single and married filing jointly) would be eligible to receive a tax exemption on their social security benefits with an average tax reduction of $710.
- $35 million going for modifying the child and dependent care credit. A family of four with childcare expenses would be estimated to receive $660 in relief.
- More than $125 million toward addressing college affordability. Families saving for college using 529 Savings Plans will benefit from expanded subtractions and credits. In addition, 77,500 students will receive, on average, a $640 reduction in their taxes through a first-in-the-nation tax credit for student loan payments.
Watch my video talking about the bill or read more about it here.
On This Day in History
March 31, 1889 the Eiffel tower opened for the first time. Built in under two years with only one construction worker losing his life, the Eiffel Tower remained the world's tallest man-made structure until the Chrysler Building was built in New York in 1930. Read more here.
Rep. Barr met with constituents this week at her office
Rep. Barr ran into a supporter at the Capitol
Job Fair
Don't forget about the South Metro Student Job Fair taking place on April 11th at Burnsville High School. Call Marcia Sexton at 952-707-2339 or msexton@isd191.org.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with me. You can schedule a time to meet with me in my office any time by calling me at 651-296-4192, or share your thoughts by emailing me at rep.regina.barr@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Regina