Dear Neighbor,
The 2015 session is fully underway as committees began meeting in earnest this week. I eager to begin our work on making Minnesota a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Below are some highlights from the past week:
Strengthening Greater Minnesota
The committee that I am most looking forward to serving on this session is the Greater Minnesota Economic and Workforce Development Policy Committee. On Tuesday and Thursday of this past week, I was honored to chair this committee as Chair Bob Gunther was away from the Legislature. Serving as vice-chair alongside Rep. Gunther gives me the opportunity to work on legislation that will ease the burden on Greater Minnesota’s small business. Small businesses in Greater Minnesota are the backbone of Minnesota’s economy. Unfortunately, Greater Minnesota has been neglected the past two years during the previous majority’s time leading the House. I am looking forward to working hard to put more emphasis back on Greater Minnesota, because we all do better when the whole state succeeds, not just the Twin Cities metro area.
Federal Tax Conformity
On Thursday, the House passed House File 6 which will bring Minnesota’s tax laws in conformity with federal changes that have occurred. This will allow Minnesotan’s to utilize additional tax refunds and deductions well in advance of the start of tax filing season which begins January 20th. In total, Minnesota’s taxpayers will see $19.9 million dollars in immediate tax relief. Included in this year’s federal conformity bill are deductions for higher education tuition, educator classroom expenses and itemized mortgage insurance premiums. Please make sure to contact your local tax accountant for any additional information you may need while preparing for this year’s tax filing season.
Keeping in Touch
As always, I welcome input from constituents on any issues that are taking place here in St. Paul. It would be an honor to speak with you and hear your ideas on how we can make Minnesota better. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-9918 or via email at rep.steve.green@house.mn.
Thank you for the honor to serve,
Steve