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Dear Friends,
As I write this update, we are on the floor of the House starting the debate on legalizing Marijuana/Cannabis. This is a complicated issue and there are opinions on all sides. I generally take a more "libertarian" view of issues and would support decriminalization but there are provisions in the bill I am very opposed to. I am also concerned about the fact that we currently don't have tests to tell if someone is impaired when driving.
No matter how I vote, I expect this bill to pass tonight and get sent over to the Senate.
On the other issues, here is where the legislature currently stands as we head into the final days of session:
Omnibus Bill Update
We have been spending long hours on the floor as we debate these bills. Some of the bills up for debate since my last update include:
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Uber Bill: This bill slipped into the debate just in the last few days as a way to overregulate businesses in Minnesota which will result in skyrocketing prices and fewer choices for consumers. It imposes minimum fees and will require insurance that covers driver injuries, even when the driver is not actually driving a passenger or making a delivery. This bill will raise costs for rideshare companies who will pass those costs directly to consumers. Demand will drop, decreasing opportunities for drivers and choices for passengers. As of this writing, we have not had a final vote in the House on this bill.
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Environment and Energy Bill: This afternoon, we debated the Environment and Energy omnibus bill. This bill will make energy more unreliable, unaffordable, and less safe in Minnesota while spending more tax dollars on pet projects and creating new government mandates. I voted NO on this bill.
Wednesday evening, the Taxes conference committee released a spreadsheet of the tentative tax agreement. Highlights of the agreement include:
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Rebate checks totaling $260 per individual/$520 per couple with a child tax credit of $260 per child, up to three dependents for total of $1,300 max per household.
- No 5th tier or worldwide combined reporting requirement.
- Partial elimination of social security tax.
We will know more about what is included in the final Tax bill once the conference committee report is available.
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Please Contact Me
Please continue to reach out if I can be of any assistance to you. You can reach me by phone at 651-296-3018 or by email at [email protected].
Have a great weekend!
Patti
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387 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.3018 |
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