Greetings,
Week 2 has ended at the State Capitol. While we began the week with a strong bipartisan agreement, it ended with numerous controversial proposals being introduced in committee that are solely being supported by the majority party.
TAX CONFORMITY APPROVED
In a move that will help residents and business owners save money and avoid headaches at tax time, the Minnesota House has approved legislation that conforms Minnesota’s tax code with that of the federal government. Congress periodically passes tax laws that are helpful to filers. But if the state doesn’t conform their tax laws to what has been approved in Washington, our taxpayers aren’t able to take advantage of the benefits.
Thanks to the overwhelming bipartisan support of this bill, federal deductions can be utilized in Minnesota at no cost to taxpayers. It was important that we took care of this issue early so Minnesotans won’t have to file amended returns.
LEGALIZE MARIJUANA?
A number of controversial topics are being heard in House committees these days. This week in the House Commerce Committee, a proposal was heard to legalize marijuana in Minnesota. Under federal law, marijuana sales, use, and consumption is generally illegal. States have been taking liberties to legalize the substance, and to date the feds have been turning a blind eye to these decisions.
After reading the bill it’s also clear that if approved, the parameters surrounding marijuana would be less restrictive than what is currently on tobacco. I’m disappointed with the lighting speed in which marijuana legalization is moving forward. The majority party should be spending more time finding ways to reduce taxes on items like Social Security rather than prioritizing this.
REMEMBERING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
On Monday, we will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day across our great nation. Please join me in remembering and honoring the man who was the most recognized leader of the American civil rights movement in the 1960’s.
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Have a good weekend,
Tim