Hello from St. Paul,
This week, we watched Democrats on the House floor once again prioritize politics over people.
The pass-through entity tax allows small and medium sized business owners to receive a deduction on their federal taxes, which saves them thousands of dollars but doesn’t cost the state a penny.
Minnesota’s business owners have utilized this deduction for years, but it is expiring. The Minnesota legislature needed to pass conformity language before March 15 for businesses to continue taking this deduction before filing this year’s income tax forms.
Unfortunately, Democrats are refusing to pass it – wanting to use it as a bargaining chip at the end of session. Instead of doing the right thing and ensuring we get this done in time to help small businesses, they want to use it as leverage and wage war on Republicans who just want to do the right thing.
It’s politics as usual for the Democrats, and Minnesotans are getting tired of this act.
RENT FOR RIOTERS?
But one thing Democrats do support are illegal aliens who are breaking the law.
This week, every single Minnesota House Democrat voted to block mandatory reporting to ICE when a criminal illegal alien breaks the law. Instead, they are more concerned about helping illegal aliens with rent assistance.
House Republicans are working hard to make things more affordable and to allow Minnesotans to keep more of what they earn. Speaking of affordability, House Republicans are trying to make everyday life more affordable for Minnesotans, sponsoring legislation to lower vehicle tab fees; remove taxes on tips and overtime; end the tax on Social Security income; remove automatic gas tax increases; and allow school districts and local governments to opt out of certain unfunded mandates, which would help lower property taxes.
Democrats are prioritizing rent for rioters, making sure illegals can stay in their homes and giving others the opportunity to not have to worry about rent so they can go protest, and in some cases attack law enforcement and wreck property while “protesting.”
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION STOPS BIPARTISAN SCHOOL SAFETY BILL FROM MOVING FORWARD
In the Education Policy Committee this week, we were scheduled to hear a proposal that would establish an anonymous reporting system in schools. Specifically, it encourages, but does not require, school districts and charter schools to implement anonymous threat reporting systems while requiring limited reporting to MDE about whether such systems are used. We often say if you see something, say something. Well, this bill would allow a student who may notice another kid in school is acting in a threatening way to anonymously tell authorities about their concern.
But the Minnesota Department of Education has now required the bill to have a fiscal note, which means they want to investigate how much it will cost, and do not want the proposal to move forward until that total is known.
Keep in mind, MDE is hiring 40 new employees and currently has an $8 million carryover, so it has both the money and the resources needed to make this school safety proposal happen. Instead, it appears it is working behind the scenes to stop the bill’s progress.
Click here to hear my committee thoughts.
In liberty,
Drew