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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Tony Jurgens (R)

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Rep. Jurgens Legislative Update

Friday, March 26, 2021

Hello from St. Paul,

 

With the legislative Easter/Passover break now upon us, its time for some reflection about what we’ve done and what lawmakers have ahead of us.

 

The reality in the Minnesota House is little has been accomplished. It was noted that through the first ten weeks of session, the House had approved just ten bills, the fewest number in more than 25 years.

 

On one hand that’s good news if you’re a fan of limited government. On the other hand, it is a budget year and the legislature MUST approve a state budget for the next two years before session ends.  Finding common ground between a Democrat governor, a Democratic-led House and a Republican-led Senate takes time under normal circumstances, and we are not operating under normal circumstances. The House continues to do its business virtually which adds complexity.

 

We have also not yet approved SAFE account legislation, as well as tax relief for those workers who were forced onto unemployment due to COVID last year and those employers who had federal loans forgiven. Despite this, the House majority this week did pass several bills that would put more mandates on businesses, even though the same proposals are not moving forward in the Senate.

 

UPDATE ON SOCIAL SECURITY TAX RELIEF PLAN

As I’ve mentioned before, I am chief-author on a bill that would benefit our senior citizens by eliminating state taxation on their Social Security benefits. It would benefit nearly 358,000 Minnesotans who would average savings of nearly $1,100 each from the elimination.

 

I thought this was the year this plan could move forward. Unfortunately, the bill was not given a hearing this year. With a forecasted $1.6 billion surplus, it would have been the perfect time to provide senior citizens with some relief.

 

Minnesota remains one out of just 13 states that tax your Social Security benefits.

 

OUT AND ABOUT

As first noted by KDWA, Hastings resident Dean Markuson was recently honored by being listed in the latest edition of “Who’s Who in America” for his community service. I can personally attest Dean is a strong and consistent advocate for our veterans and is always on the lookout for ways to make Hastings a better place. Congratulations Dean – you are awesome!

 

Have a good weekend,

 

Tony