Dear Neighbors,
On Thursday, I introduced legislation that would return the state’s budget surplus back to Minnesotans through one-time direct payments. House File 1548 would determine eligibility for the payments based on 2021 taxable net income with single filers receiving $3,000 and joint filers receiving $6,000.
Minnesota’s bloated budget surplus is proof that you, your family, and your neighbors are being severely overtaxed. Ultimately, this surplus belongs to you and the hardworking taxpayers of our state. This bill would be a simple way to give the surplus back to you.
Many of the problems that are impacting family budgets like high rates of inflation and soaring energy costs are directly caused by the negative effects of the Biden/Walz economy. Giving the surplus back to you is a way we can help mitigate the financial pain so many are feeling.
Eligibility thresholds for payments are determined as follows (based on 2021 taxable net income):
- $166,040 or less in the case of a single individual filer
- $276,200 or less in the case of a married individual who filed a joint return
- $220,730 or less in the case of an individual who filed as head of household
- $138,100 or less in the case of a married individual who filed a separate return
I am grateful to be joined by 15 co-authors on the bill and am working to secure a hearing in the Taxes Committee as soon as possible.
Gun Control Bills
Several bills that would curtail the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding Minnesotans have started to make their way through committees. These include universal background checks which would establish a gun registry, red-flag laws that would make a mockery of due process, a storage requirement bill that would limit your right to possess firearms in your home for self-defense, and legislation that would criminalize the victim of a crime for failing to report that crime – something we do not do with any other victim of any other crime.
As a strong defender of the 2nd Amendment, you can count on me to oppose these bills and do what I can to prevent them from passing. Stay tuned on this as I am sure that these bills will continue their way through the legislative process.
Local Events
Last week, Senator Paul Utke and I met with officials from Todd County to discuss the legislative session and the priorities for the county this year. At the meeting were county commissioners, the county attorney, the sheriff, and others. It was good to meet with these folks and connect on the issues that we can work together on to move Todd County forward.
Also, a reminder that the 34th annual Farm Toy Show in Sauk Centre. This year’s show is scheduled for this Saturday, February 11th from 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM. As always, proceeds go towards providing a scholarship to a local student that is going into the agricultural sector. Visit this website for more information: https://bit.ly/40o6dJy
Staying in Touch
As always, it is critical that you communicate to me any thoughts, questions, or concerns you may have. Please never hesitate to reach out to me whether it’s via phone or email. I can be reached at 651-296-4293 or via email at rep.mike.wiener@house.mn.gov. It would be an honor to speak with you.
Until next time, have a great weekend,
Mike