ST. PAUL - The 2018 Legislative Session has begun, and State Representative Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne) said there is much to accomplish over the next twelve weeks.
"Since we balanced the state budget last session, our focus shifts to policy reforms and a capital investment proposal that will fund needed construction projects across our state," Schomacker said.
Federal tax conformity is one area Schomacker believes will receive significant discussion. Taxpayers won't feel the impacts of the proposal until 2019, but action is needed before Minnesotans file their taxes next year. Conforming to the federal tax code as-is would cause Minnesota to experience an increase in tax revenue, so lawmakers will need to take steps to ensure this increased tax revenue is returned to taxpayers to prevent widespread tax increases. The question of how that money is returned, according to Schomacker, will create the most debate.
An even-yeared session is traditionally a year where state lawmakers approve a capital investment package. Last session, the Legislature approved a $987 million proposal that focused heavily on infrastructure and transportation needs. Schomacker said Governor Dayton has already weighed in with a $1.5 billion proposal, which is $600 million higher than what is planned for in the budget forecast.
"While these topics are near the top of our to-do lists, I have little doubt that other issues will come to the forefront in the weeks ahead," Schomacker said.
Rep. Schomacker can be reached by phone at 651-296-5505 or by email at rep.joe.schomacker@house.mn.