Dear Lakeville Friends and Neighbors,
We’re back in session! It’s been an honor to serve you the last two years, and I look forward to another term of advocating for the best of Lakeville and our state as a whole.
Swearing-In and Swift Start to Session
Tuesday marked the start of the 90th legislature. One of the highlights of the day was meeting Archbishop Hebda who gave the opening prayer. I received a new Bible from my family this Christmas, and was fortunate to have the Archbishop sign it. It’s a helpful reminder to the important work we’re undertaking in St. Paul and our call to serve is a larger purpose. I appreciate the Archbishop’s insight and guidance for the House of Representatives.
Minnesota legislators weren’t the only ones to take the oath of office this week. Locally, Lakeville saw a new mayor, Doug Anderson, and two new city council members, Luke Hellier and Brian Wheeler, sworn-in to represent our great city. Serving Lakeville, either at the local or state level, is quite an honor. Congratulations to these three new representatives of our city!
Tax Relief on the Way
On Thursday, the House acted with urgency to pass a federal tax conformity and relief bill. The legislation conforms our state to federal standards and is also set to benefit teachers, homeowners, and families saving for their kids’ college. Thursday’s bill retroactively conforms Minnesota’s individual and corporate franchise tax to federal changes enacted since 2014 for 2015 and following year returns. Passing this early enables the changes to be ready for January 23rd tax filing opening date. We have a budget surplus, and Minnesotans entrusted us to deliver tax relief. I was once again appointed to the Taxes Committee, and will continue to advocate for further tax relief proposals as we make our way through session.
Please Contact Me
With session underway, we’ll be hearing bills, meeting with constituents and interest groups, and finding shared values to better our state. An important part of that process is you. Every-day Minnesotans are the ones who face issues firsthand and it’s important for you to share your experiences and insight. I welcome calls, emails, or visits to my office in St. Paul. You can reach me at (651) 296-6926 or Rep.Jon.Koznick@house.mn.
Have a wonderful weekend and smile, it’s going to heat up!
Jon Koznick
State Representative, Lakeville, 58A