ST. PAUL, MN—The Minnesota House wasted no time getting to work on key session priorities, including health care and tax relief. House File 2, which will result in $21.7 million in tax relief for 220,000 Minnesota tax filers by conforming Minnesota's tax code to the federal tax code, passed Thursday on a vote of 130-0.
“I’m happy to say that we were able to pass a bill that will provide immediate tax relief to hardworking Minnesotans,” said Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea. “It will bring some tax relief to students, teachers, homeowners, and more.”
Without quick approval of the federal tax conformity bill (HF2), Minnesotans who file their taxes early could face higher tax bills, a situation all lawmakers wanted to avoid. The Department of Revenue indicated that in order to avoid tax filing complications, the proposal needs to be signed into law before January 11. The Senate is expected to pass tax conformity in time to meet the January 11th deadline.
Republicans also moved to declare an urgency and pass The 2017 Health Care Emergency Aid and Access bill, HF1, which would have provided premium relief, extended access to doctors for continuity of care, and begun to reform the individual market. Democrats blocked the measure, despite agreeing days earlier to suspend the rules in order to expedite premium relief for Minnesotans.
“I’m disappointed we were not able to get our health insurance premium relief bill passed,” said Bennett. “We need to get that passed immediately; it’s tough times for people right now who are experiencing high premiums. I look forward to working on that bill as well as on longer term healthcare solutions this session.”
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