Neighbors, Our final budget bills were passed by the House last week. The Human Services, Health, Judiciary and Public Safety, Commerce and Taxes bills complete our budget proposal. I am proud of the work we have all done together and have appreciated your input in the process. Our budget aims to create a state where everyone can succeed. The Taxes budget delivers the largest tax cut in Minnesota History. The bill includes credits, rebates, and other provisions designed to maximize benefits for workers, families, and seniors. It also addresses years of rising property taxes and underinvestment in local communities. These critically needed provisions are paid for through the state’s historic surplus and new revenue from multinational corporations and the very wealthiest in the state. The measure also includes full Social Security state income exemption for those earning less than $100,000 annually (married/joint) or $78,000 (single/head of household). It also includes direct rebates and a simplified Child & Working Family Tax Credit to help more than one million families and reduce child poverty by 22.9%. The House DFL’s Tax bill delivers property tax cuts and direct assistance to local communities, including measures to reform the Renter’s Property Tax Refund program. It also includes expansion of the Homestead Credit Refund, targeting homeowners who will benefit the most. It also contains Local Government Aid and County Program Aid to help local communities deliver critical public services while keeping property taxes in check. The House DFL Tax Bill implements two new tax fairness measures. The first is a millionaire’s tax for those earning $1 million (married/joint), $600,000 (single) or $800,000 (head of household). The second is a worldwide reporting requirement for multinational corporations, allowing Minnesota to close a loophole and rightfully capture corporate profits hidden in offshore tax havens. These increased contributions are integral to making a stronger and more equitable Minnesota. Video of all committee, floor and conference committee debates will be available on the House Information YouTube page. Veterans Conference CommitteeThe first meeting of the Veterans & Military Affairs Conference Committee took place on Monday morning. Our nonpartisan staff detailed the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. Last month, the measure passed both the House and Senate with broad, bipartisan support. The bill will now be reapproved by both the House and Senate before it goes to Governor Walz for his signature. You can read about conference committee action in this non-partisan House Public Information article.  _____________________ Veterans Career Fair TomorrowALL veterans, current service members, their spouses, and Gold Star families are invited to this year's 17th annual career fair event. The in-person, no cost event is happening tomorrow, Wednesday, May 3. If you’re looking for a higher salary and a great career, attend this event.  ____________________ Let’s thank our hard-working teachers this week – and every week – for their dedication to improve the lives of all students.  ____________________ In May, we pay tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Isanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.  REMINDER: Medicaid Recipients On May 11, the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) is ending and those on Medicaid will need to update their information. Many people who will lose Medicaid should be able to get low-cost health insurance through the federal and state insurance marketplaces. You can watch a short video here for more information.  Stay Connected with the LegislatureIt is easy to stay in touch with State Capitol activities. The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can find my information on my House website. Also, make sure to ‘like’ my Facebook page. It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Jerry Newton State Representative |