Greetings,
Many Minnesotans who are preparing to file their income taxes will likely see their returns improve due to bipartisan legislation that is expected to be signed into law.
GOOD NEWS FOR MANY INCOME TAX FILERS
Last session, the legislative majority hastily approved comprehensive taxes legislation that reduced standard income tax deductions, leading to tax increases for roughly 3 out of every 4 Minnesotans and a $352 million problem. On Monday, we approved legislation that eliminates the errors, brings state deductions in line with federal deductions, and prevents these Minnesotans from paying higher tax bills.
I’m very pleased we were able to approve this legislation on a strong bipartisan vote. Doing so early in session means fewer will have to file amended income tax returns.
LEVEL II SEX OFFENDER NOTIFICATION
On Tuesday, the Minnesota House Public Safety Committee heard my legislation that would authorize local law enforcement to tell certain public officials where a Level II sex offender lives.
Unlike a Level III sex offender, those classified as Level II – labeled as having a moderate risk of recidivism - do not receive a community notification of their residence. This unknown potentially puts workers who visit properties – such as assessors, property inspectors, and code enforcers – at risk.
My bill adds public officials to the list that police may disclose Level II predatory offender information. The bill was held over for possible inclusion in a comprehensive public safety proposal that will be unveiled later this year.
SCHOOL RESOURCES OFFICERS IN SCHOOLS MOVES AHEAD
Legislation that addresses the school resources officers problem in our state finally moved forward this week. You’ll recall last session the Democrats changed how school resources officers are allowed to de-escalate aggressive or violent situations, which caused dozens of law enforcement agencies to pull SROs from schools across Minnesota.
The House majority had struggled to move the bill forward in the public safety committee last week. This week, it accepted a number of Republican amendments, and the committee approved it unanimously. Next stop: the House Ways and Means Committee.
LOCAL VISITORS
This week, Greg Gack, CEO of the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA was in town to meet with Senator Howe, Leader Demuth, Representative Perryman, Representative Schultz and me.
I also met with members of the Minnesota Truckers Association.
Thanks for stopping by!
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn.gov. or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Have a good weekend,
Tim