Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from Saint Paul.
Update from Veterans Committee
This week in the Veterans Committee, we heard several bills that will have a positive impact on veterans across Minnesota.
First, we heard HF 134, a technical bill I authored that makes changes to the veterans trust. It was sent to the General Register meaning it can be heard and debated on the House Floor.
Next, we passed HF 137, the bill I authored to allow retired veterans to exempt up to $30,000 of their retirement from taxable income. I believe this bill, if signed into law, will make a real difference in attracting more service men and women to our state after they are finished with military service. The bill will now move onto the Taxes Committee.
Finally, committee members heard HF 283, a bill authored by Representative Ron Kresha that will designate sentinel land around Camp Ripley, creating incentives to encourage landowners' land management practices to be consistent with Camp Ripley's military missions. This bill was passed and sent to State Government Finance.
House File 329
On Tuesday, HF 329, a bill I am authoring was passed in the Government Operations and Elections Committee and sent onto the Public Safety Committee.
This legislation, which has bipartisan support, would allow state employees assaulted by inmates or patients to be provided continued insurance contributions. This would apply to people whose injuries resulted in being totally or permanently disabled.
While this change to law would affect a very small number of people, I think it’s important to ensure these state employees who were injured in the line of work are covered.
Century College Visit
Last Friday, I visited Century College to learn more about their fantastic dental program. It was great to see students learning firsthand and get a more in-depth look into their program and curriculum.
It was wonderful to visit!
If you have any ideas for legislation or input on what’s happening at the Capitol, I welcome you to contact me this session. I am here to serve you!
As always, thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative.
Sincerely,
Bob