Dear Neighbors,
Things are busy in St. Paul as we get closer to the first committee deadline on March 10th. While we continue to work our way through a mountain of legislation, I am committed to listening to you and working to build bridges.
Social Security Taxes
Last week, during debate on the House Floor, a motion was made to bring a bill that would end state taxes on Social Security benefits to the floor for a vote. The bill is HF 153 and it would make sure that our seniors are not being double taxed on these benefits. We continue to lose more and more seniors to warmer states that don’t tax these benefits.
This is an issue that has broad bipartisan support and is something that is a top priority for so many of you, that’s why I was disappointed that the motion failed. The good news is that there is still a lot of time left in the legislative session to get this across the finish line. I will continue fighting for this and working to make this happen.
Updated Budget Forecast
Last week, we received word that Minnesota’s budget forecast remains largely unchanged as the surplus stays at $17.5 billion.
A surplus of this size is proof that state government has over collected from taxpayers.
That’s why I am supportive of providing the tax relief that you deserve.
In addition to the social security tax exemption, I would like to see rising property taxes addressed, tax relief for main street businesses that provide the goods, services, and jobs that we all rely on, and lowering taxes across the board for all Minnesotans.
As inflation continues to rise, we need to look at ways to make Minnesota more affordable. More money back in your pocket will help address these concerns with affordability and lift all Minnesotans.
Water Infrastructure
Both of my local water infrastructure bills received hearings this week in the Capital Investment Committee. Thanks to the local officials that came to St. Paul to testify in support of these bills!
The first bill would provide funding for the construction of a new water treatment plant in Minnetonka Beach.
The second bill would provide funding to the city of Mound for a variety of upgrades to the city’s water infrastructure including addressing the manganese issue facing the city’s water supply.
Both of these issues are top priorities for communities in Your Backyard and I will continue to fight to make sure these bills pass and are signed into law.
Staying in Touch
If you plan on being in St. Paul sometime soon, I encourage you to reach out to my office to set up a time to meet and chat! It is always my goal to be as responsive as possible to the needs and priorities of you and Your Backyard.
Please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-9188 or via email at rep.andrew.myers@house.mn.gov.
Have a great day,
Andrew