Dear Neighbors,
It looks like another amazing weekend to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. After a busy week at the Capitol, I’m looking forward to spending some time outdoors doing some yard work. Before we head to the weekend, here’s an update of our last few days in St. Paul.
Tax Conformity
On Monday, the House passed our bill to conform to the new federal tax laws on a bipartisan vote of 90-38. Our bill has some great features that will help simplify the tax code and make it easier to file taxes next year. Highlights of our bill include:
- Helping middle-class Minnesotans keep more of what they earn by cutting the second tier income tax rate from 7.05% to 6.75% by tax year 2020. This would mark the first income tax rate reduction in Minnesota since 2000.
- Lowering taxes for people at all income levels by increasing the standard deduction for all filers.
- Protecting families by preserving a state personal and dependent exemption of $4,150.
- Encouraging affordable homeownership by allowing a state-itemized deduction of up to $30,000 in property taxes.
- Supporting hometown businesses and farmers by reinvesting extra revenue from corporate tax changes into Section 179 conformity and overall rate reductions.
Social Media Bill of Rights
On Tuesday, I introduced a bill, HF4472, the Social Media Bill of Rights. The goal of the legislation is to give Minnesotans more control over the content and information they share and store on social media websites and applications.
We’ve seen troubling reports on the enormous scope of personal information social media services collect, store, and share with third parties, often without people ever knowing. This bill makes clear that information is the property of the individual user, and shouldn’t be shared or sold without the explicit permission of each user.
Social media is a tool for people to stay connected to family, friends, and loved ones, and we need a conversation about how their information is collected, used, and shared. The Social Media Bill of Rights is the start of a conversation as to how we put Minnesotans back in control of their personal information on social media.
Trespassing Bill
Part of one of our larger bills was a provision to deter protesters from encouraging and training others to damage things like pipelines, power sources, and water treatment plants. I support our First Amendment rights to peacefully protest, but if leaders of an event are telling others to damage critical infrastructure, they should be held accountable. This provision doesn’t limit free speech, but puts more protection on utilities we all need.
Local Notice
The Coon Rapids Police Department recently put out their April newsletter. It contains information regarding how to text 911 if you’re ever in an emergency situation and need help but can’t call 911 or talk on your phone. This is an important tool that can be utilized in a number of emergency scenarios. If you want to know more, please click here.
Please Contact Me
If you have questions about my bills, or any legislation we’re discussing, please contact me. Feel free to email me at rep.peggy.scott@house.mn or call 651-296-4231.
Have a great weekend and enjoy the weather!
Peggy