Dear Neighbors,
A big thank you to all who attended the ‘Coffee with John’ last Saturday. It was so great to connect in person and listen to your feedback and input for the session, and answer questions. This will be an ongoing conversation I would like to continue throughout the session. Stay tuned for more details as we work with our local Mayors and City Councils to coordinate future opportunities. |
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Ensuring a Productive Session
Governor Walz, House Speaker Hortman, and Senate Majority Leader Gazelka announced on Monday joint deadlines as a pledge to completing work on time for Minnesotans. Our community expects and deserves an effective state government to work together to strengthen our schools, public infrastructure, and economy. You can read more about the deadlines for an orderly end of session here.
Increasing the Standard Deduction for Minnesotans
Yesterday, my bill received a public hearing in the House Taxes Committee.
Minnesota is currently not in conformity with federal changes to the standard deduction in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, so the state standard deduction is tied to old federal law. My bill would increase the standard deduction by $2,000 for joint filers and would save a married couple earning median income on average $141. About two-thirds of Minnesotans claim the standard deduction.
Electing the standard deduction is a simpler and faster way for Minnesotans to file their taxes. Additionally, increasing the standard deduction through this bill will deliver a bigger tax benefit for working Minnesota families. All Minnesotans deserve fair taxes and any law change enacted at the state level ought to reflect that.
Discussions on tax conformity have begun and will continue throughout the session.
Stay in Touch
Please always feel free to reach out with any questions, comments or concerns. If you’re headed to St. Paul, swing by the District 57B office (583) in the State Office Building say to say hello.
I’ve appreciated all the feedback over the course of the month. I value your input in how we can move our community and state forward.
Have a great weekend,
John |
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