Representatives Fabian & Kiel supported historic tax and transportation bills which highlight the 2017 legislative achievements
ST. PAUL, MN—On Friday, the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate concluded the special session, passing the final bills that comprise the 2018-2019 biennium budget. In all, the Legislature passed seven bills during special session: Taxes, Transportation, State Government, Health and Human Services, K-12 Education, Bonding, and Labor Standards.
“From a $650 million tax relief bill to making substantial investments in road and bridge improvements, House Republicans focused on putting Minnesotans first,” said Rep. Deb Kiel, R-Crookston. “I am pleased we were able to get our work done and that folks in Greater Minnesota will see tax relief, more money for our schools, funding for local capital improvement projects, and large investments in transportation infrastructure.”
“For folks in Northwest Minnesota, a big, middle-class tax relief package and more money for local roads and bridges are key highlights of the 2017 session,” said Rep. Dan Fabian, R-Roseau. “Republicans led on a number of important reforms and priorities for our state, and I am glad we came to a bipartisan agreement with the Senate and Governor Dayton.”
The Republican-led tax bill will mean more than $650 million in tax relief—the largest tax cut in nearly two decades—for Minnesota families in the 2018-2019 biennium and three-quarters of a billion dollars in tax relief in the 2020-2021 biennium. It includes relief for seniors on social security, college graduates with student loan debt, and property tax relief for farmers and Minnesota businesses. In addition, Republicans championed and the legislature approved the largest investment in road and bridge infrastructure in a state history without an increase in the gas tax or license tab fees.
During regular session, the Legislature passed budget bills for Public Safety, Higher Education, Jobs & Energy Affordability, Agriculture, and Environment and Natural Resources. Altogether, the Legislature is sending ten budget bills, a $995 million bonding bill, a labor standards bill to the governor’s desk for his signature.