Neighbors,
This week I brought a bill I’ve been working on to committee for its first hearing. The bill would allow Minnesotans to receive student loan relief, regardless of whether or not they are married. Currently, married couples who both owe student debt can only receive tax credit for one person. While the cost of higher education is ever-increasing and out of reach for many Minnesotans, this bill is a simple, fair solution to help people afford to go to college.
Prescription Drug Prices
This week the Health and Human Services Policy Committee held hearings on bills to hold drug companies and health care companies accountable for their part in making prescription drugs unafordable. I am a co-author of one of the bills, which would prohibit drug manufacturers from dramatically increasing the price of drugs for profit. Thousands of Minnesotans struggle to afford their medication, or have to worry that an unexpected price hike will make them unable to afford the drugs they need to live. I am committed to standing up to the pharmaceutical industry, and making sure every Minnesotan has access to health care they can afford.
Clean Environment
Climate change is a real, and urgent problem. Minnesota should be a national leader in climate change prevention, and in clean energy technology. That’s why I’m proud to support the 100% renewable energy plan. If passed, it would increase the proportion of energy that must come from renewable sources and set target dates for when these goals need to be achieved by power companies. Minnesota’s natural beauty and resources is what makes it such a great place to live and work, and investing in clean energy will create jobs and slow down climate change.
Meeting with Constituents
This week I got to meet with a group of Hmong farmers to hear about their concerns accessing capital, training, and affordable and long-term land near urban areas. For the first time, they didn’t need a translator to speak with their representatives!
Tax Filing Season
I don’t blame you if you haven’t thought about this yet, but as a member of two tax committees, I definitely have. I understand that this year is especially confusing since there were several federal tax changes that went into effect recently. However, the good news is that the Minnesota Department of Revenue has updated its forms to reflect current Minnesota law regardless of the changes, so you should feel comfortable filing your state taxes at any point during this filing season.
Although no changes will be made for the state taxes this year, going forward I hope to work with my colleagues to craft laws that will make taxes fair for hard-working Minnesotans, while holding corporations accountable.
I am honored to be able to carry your voices at the Capitol. Feel free to email me at rep.tou.xiong@house.mn and call at 651-296-7807. You can also follow my new Facebook page here. Stop by my office anytime, you can find me in office 533 in the State Office Building.
Sincerely,
Tou Xiong