Dear Friends,

As we step into the New Year, may it bring hope, prosperity, and unity to our community. Let's work together to build a better future for all. Happy New Year filled with possibilities!

With the new year, new laws also take effect January 1. Here are some of the changes that are set to take effect next week:

• Earned Sick and Safe Time.?Though different from the expensive and expansive Paid Medical and Family Leave bill that also passed last session, the changes to earned sick and safe time will greatly impact our job creators and workers. The law will require all employers to offer full paid time off, and it applies to any employers with one or more employees. It covers all employees, including part-time and temporary workers. The?Department of Labor and Industry has put together a helpful FAQ page for any job creators who still have questions about this new law.
• Gas Tax Indexed to Inflation.?Minnesota's gas tax will be tied to inflation starting in the new year. The expected tax hike is 5 cents over four years ? a $423 million increase in total!
• Political Contribution Refund (PCR) Increases.?Among many of the changes to Minnesota?s election laws that Democrats passed last session is an increase to the PCR program. The individual political contribution refund will increase from $50 to $75, and joint married filers will have an increase of $100 to $150. These increased refunds will be applicable to any donations made after January 1, 2024.
• Real-Time Driver's Exam Appointment Availability.?The Public Safety Department will be required to provide real-time information about the location and availability of driver's exam appointments. People will be able to enter their address to find out the availability of exam stations closest to them.?
• Specialty License Plates Available.?For one of the more fun things that passed last session, you will be able to show your support for Minnesota?s six professional sports teams with your license plate. Options include the Vikings, Wild, Twins, Timberwolves, Lynx, and United.

You can learn about other laws that will take effect in the new year?here. Remember, all these laws were passed when we had a $17.5 billion surplus. Instead of passing permanent, meaningful tax relief, Minnesotans are getting $10 billion in tax increases. Many of these changes highlight the problems with one-party control of our state government. We need balance restored so we can put family budgets, not government?s budget, first.