Dear Lakeville Friends,
We are a month into session and there are a number of high-profile issues that have started to emerge. Here’s a brief recap on a few of those issues, and a summary on some legislation I am working on this session.
Tax Code Reform
The Tax Committee has been holding hearings to discuss the impacts of the substantial changes that were made to the federal tax code as a result of the federal 2017 Tax Reform and Jobs Act. Last year, the Republican-led state legislature passed bipartisan proposals that would bring the state's tax code more in line with the new federal reforms so Minnesotans could reap the maximum benefits of the tax cuts. Those bill proposals worked to simplify and reduce taxes for Minnesotans.
Unfortunately, they did not become law due to Governor Dayton’s tax bill vetos; TWICE.
Highlights included reducing the two lowest income tax brackets (which would benefit Minnesotans of every income level), increasing the standard deduction from $13,000 to $14,000, and helping families by protecting state personal and dependent exemptions of $4,150.
I have introduced a similar measure and have a hearing this week before the tax committee on a bill that will reduce all four of Minnesota’s individual income tax bracket rates. This is a way to deliver fair tax relief to those hardworking Minnesotans who have contributed to the surplus. Minnesota is one of the highest taxed states and we need to turn that around to continue to provide good jobs and promising futures.
We still need to work on some sort of conformity legislation to prevent unnecessary headaches and hassles for taxpayers moving forward. I am committed to working on this and hope that we can strike agreement in tax reform that holds Minnesota taxpayers harmless.
Addressing the Opioid Epidemic
The opioid epidemic is a serious health crisis that has impacted thousands of Minnesotans over the last several years. As lawmakers, we need to address this issue head-on and make sure that we are doing what we can to save lives and fight back against this terrible crisis. The state has done a lot of good work on this issue over the last several years including reforms to the state’s prescription monitoring program which gives doctors tools to more easily identify if a patient is doctor shopping for prescription drugs, in addition to funding treatment and other measures.
There is a bill moving in the House and Senate that would address the crisis a number of ways. Funding for the bill would come would come from an “opiate product registration fee” that would generate $20 million a year in new fees.
I am 100% behind finding ways to fight this serious epidemic, however I am apprehensive about an increase in license fees as it will raise drug prices for Minnesotans that are suffering and need help. We shouldn’t be raising fees as we try to make health care more affordable. Instead, I propose that we really prioritize this fight and provide the funding needed from current revenue in the state’s general fund.
This bill will more than likely become law and I am committed to working with the authors to improve the final product as best as possible.
Ending Taxation without Mobilization
Having met many of you at your homes or visits in my office, the issues of not having Metro Mobility service in all areas of Lakeville has been brought up. Metro Mobility provides rides to para transit and disabled neighbors to work, shopping or other errands. These services are an important means to independence and freedom and can help provide a higher quality of life for disabled Minnesotans.
Over the past few years, we’ve made good progress on this issue and I’m excited to again work on and author a bill that would save operation money for metro mobility and pay to extend service to the Lakeville area. For nearly ten years, Lakeville residents have had to pay a transit tax for a service that they were not receiving. Last year I was able to get this bill included in the House transportation bill and got the senate to move on it and include it in conference committee, but the bill was included among Gov. Dayton’s veto’s. I am optimistic for this bill and anticipate a bill hearing in the transportation house committee. Sen. Dan Hall is carrying this in the Senate.
This is a complex bill but one that would make sure that Lakeville residents are able to receive a service that all of us are paying taxes to fund. It’s time to put an end to Lakeville’s Taxation Without Mobilization.
Jobs and Economic Development
Finally, we hear much about the need for workers to fill tight labor markets. Analyses by our state demographers show that Minnesota’s workforce is changing, and we are increasingly relying on immigrants and new Minnesotans as the baby boomer generation retires and leaves the workforce.
A bill that will receive a hearing in committee this week provides funding for job training through International Institute of Minnesota. This amazing organization provides educational and job training programming to new Americans to help them achieve economic independence, and has a fantastic 30 year history of success with workforce development in Nursing Assistant Training and Hospitality Career Pathways. Their graduates have an astounding 94% retention rate after one year of employment, benefitting employers and patients in long-term care. This legislation is about helping immigrants and refugees achieve self-sufficiency and full membership in American life; while also helping meet workforce needs.
Visits
Our days are filled with committee hearings and other meetings. I appreciate the calls and emails and especially the visits scheduled to discuss important issues to you, like Lisa from the Minnesota Physical Therapy Association or the previous week when the fire chief came in to discuss legislation for our firefighters! Let us know if you will be at the Capitol and want to schedule a visit too.
That’s all for this week’s Koznick Connection. Next week I’ll be sharing on a few other hot topics.
Have a wonderful and warm week!
Jon Koznick
Assistant Minority Leader
State Representative, Lakeville, 58A