Neighbors, The legislature has been in session for just two weeks, and I joined my colleagues to act quickly to pass an early federal tax conformity bill. HF 31 brings Minnesota into alignment with federal tax law, resulting in over $100 million in tax cuts to a wide range of Minnesotans while simplifying future tax filings. Among the many provisions in the bill is one ensuring forgiven student loans are not taxable as income. Should President Biden’s student loan forgiveness go into effect, this will guarantee Minnesotans with student loans receive the full benefit. By passing this bill within the first two weeks of session, the Department of Revenue will be able to incorporate these measures in time for this year’s tax filing season, greatly reducing the administrative burden on individuals and businesses this tax season. This week in the Education Policy Committee, which I chair, we received overviews from Minnesota Department of Education and from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. We also heard bills about universal school nutrition (HF 5) and menstrual equity (HF 44). Both moved on to the Education Finance Committee. We have a big session ahead and I was interviewed by MPR about our committee priorities. You can listen and/or read the segment here. Several other key bills I support also advanced this week: HF 4 would allow 81,000 undocumented residents of Minnesota to earn driver’s licenses and ensure families can complete necessary daily tasks like driving to work, dropping kids off at school, or attending medical appointments. Law enforcement and the business community testified in support of the legislation because it will increase safety and justice across Minnesota. by allowing these residents to complete essential errands once they pass standard licensing exams and tests. HF 1, the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act, guards Minnesotans’ right to contraception, the right to carry a pregnancy to term, the right to an abortion, and ensures the right to privacy for personal reproductive health decisions. Read more about the bill here in this MPR story. HF 100, a bill to legalize adult cannabis use, and HF28, a bill restoring ex-offender voting rights also advanced this week. I support both measures and will be a ‘yes’ vote when they reach the House floor. Thursday, HF37, a measure to prohibit discrimination based on traits associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and hair styles, passed the House overwhelmingly.  Stay connected with the legislature The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Laurie Pryor State Representative |