Legislative Update Dear neighbors, As we get closer and closer to the tax filing deadline, it becomes clear that suburban families were left out of the equation when the state legislature spent $18 billion and raised taxes $10 billion last year. As the co-founder of the Suburban Solutions Caucus, we want to listen to your voice and take a hands-on approach to address one of your top priorities, affordability. Highlighted Legislation: Tax Increases Last session, the legislature passed a new 1% metro-wide sales tax and a new delivery fee tax that will go into effect July 1st. Along with the increased costs of insurance, property taxes, and more, suburban families are left paying more and getting less. This year's legislative session is no different for the hard-working men and women of Minnesota. There is a new tax bill garnering attention in the Governor’s transportation initiative, which would again raise the cost of gas by $0.40 to $0.50 per gallon. This regressive tax will not only impact your budget but also the budget of so many having to choose between everyday items. What I hear from you is we need balanced solutions that help alleviate the costs of everyday goods, not raise them. That’s why we created legislation to make life more affordable for Minnesotans and built the “Dollars & Sense Initiative”. House File 3111 would lower the costs of your car tab fees to levels of neighboring states. House File 3263 would reduce the cost of gas. Both are common sense ways to help balance your monthly costs. Additionally, I drafted House File 4255 which takes any budget surplus, after the reserves are filled, and provides direct property tax relief. Given the current short-term surplus, this bill would provide almost a $1,000 reduction for every property owner in the state. Or, as a co-author, House File 4619 would take any budget surplus, after the reserves are filled, and provide a rebate check directly to taxpayers.  These bills are just some examples of common-sense solutions the Suburban Solutions Caucus is pursuing here in St. Paul. They make life easier for our families by reducing the financial burden they must address every day. This means that you can keep more of your hard-earned money to put toward groceries, school supplies, or even save for your child’s college fund. As your legislator, I will continue to work with the community and pursue balanced policies that address your top priorities, so please continue to reach out to me with ideas, thoughts, and priorities. Please click here to provide your feedback to our “Dollars & Sense Budget Initiative Survey.” Free In-District Clean Water Presentation Finally, if you have time this April 18th, Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund will be hosting an informative presentation discussing how we can do our part to protect Clean Water and look at healthy alternatives to everyday household items. They are also giving out bags with non-toxic dishwasher detergent, laundry soap, sheets, hand soap, compostable bags, reusable Keurig Cups, and a bottle of cleaning vinegar. If you want to learn and support Clean Water in your backyard, join me from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Ridgedale Library, Room 172, 12601 Ridgedale Drive Minnetonka, MN 55305. You can also click here for more information. “Your voice has an impact.” Representative Andrew Myers House District 45A Co-Chair of the Suburban Solutions Caucus Serving Excelsior, Greenwood, Long Lake, Minnetonka Beach, Minnetrista, Mound, Orono, Shorewood, Spring Park, St. Bonifacius and Tonka Bay |