Dear Neighbor,
Greetings from the House. Here is a look at my latest news and notes:
National Prayer Breakfast
It was an honor to recently attend a National Prayer Breakfast event at the U.S. Capitol as a guest of Congressman Pete Stauber's. I greatly appreciate the invitation and the opportunity to discuss with leaders in D.C. subjects that are vital to residents of District 6A and me, from the abhorrent expansion of abortion to President Biden’s unacceptable mining moratorium, concerns related to fentanyl and more.
Thanks again to Congressman Stauber for graciously providing me with this opportunity to make new connections and engage in important discussions.
Social Security tax repeal
Minnesota is one of just 12 states that still tax social security benefits. With a $17.6 billion state budget surplus, and price increases straining family budgets, the time is right for a full repeal.
I am the chief author of H.F. 604 to make it happen.
The state tax on Social Security is a double tax that needs to end. Seniors already paid payroll taxes on their Social Security contributions but still are required to list these benefits they’ve earned as taxable income on their tax returns. It’s fundamentally wrong for the state to continue doing this to our seniors, even without a massive surplus. The fact our state has overtaxed citizens by some $18 billion just takes away any excuses to continue this injustice.
A full Social Security tax repeal would benefit and estimated 473,000 people with an average tax savings of $1,276. In contrast, Gov. Tim Walz’s budget proposal doesn’t fully repeal the state Social Security tax, with only 43% of Minnesotans receiving some form of relief – on average, $278 per household.
Minnesota’s tax structure is unfriendly to retirees. Reports indicate Minnesota loses many more domestic residents to other states than it gains. Business and personal finance publisher Kiplinger lists Minnesota among its “not tax-friendly” states for retirees, indicating, “The North Star State offers cold comfort on the tax front to retirees.”
Our state can do much more to make itself a welcoming home for retirees and it starts with eliminating the Social Security tax. Sure, winters are tough in Minnesota and a given percentage of people always will want to spend their golden years in warmer locales. Let’s just make it easier to make ends meet for the people who want to stay home, be close with family and watch their grandkids grow.
Democrats signaled they were all-in for a repeal of the Social Security tax last fall but now, more than a month in to the 2023 session, they have left bills related to this subject on the back burner.
Gun-control bills
Second Amendment supporters should be on high alert over gun-control bills House Democrats are moving through the committee process in an attempt to force unprecedented restrictions on us. This includes:
- HF 14: Universal Background Checks (aka Universal Gun Registration): Criminal background checks required for firearm transfers, and grounds modified for disqualification of transferee permit.
- HF 15: Red Flag Gun Confiscation Orders: Law enforcement and family members enabled to petition a court to prohibit people from possessing firearms if they pose a significant danger to themselves or others by possessing a firearm, and money appropriated.
- HF 396: Safe storage of firearms and ammunition required, locking device required to be included in each firearm transfer, and criminal penalties imposed.
- HF 601: Lost and stolen firearms required to be reported promptly to law enforcement.
If you cherish the Second Amendment, it is important to read these bills and understand what is at stake. I have major concerns with each of these bills and likely will take a closer look at them in upcoming newsletters. For now, please know I will always fight for our constitutional rights. In fact, I am the chief author of H.F. 1290, providing firearm permits to carry without expiration.
Have a good weekend and, as always, your input is welcome.
Ben