Rep. Jon Applebaum (44B) – Legislative Update
The 2018 legislative session kicked off last week. We have a busy agenda ahead of us that seems to be constantly growing. This session, we will look to pass a robust public works infrastructure bill, address consequences of the recently passed federal tax bill, take action to end the opioid epidemic, and other pressing topics. With the session constitutionally required to wrap up by May 21, the session will likely be fast paced. Please find below an update from the Capitol.
Working to save you money
President Trump’s federal tax legislation is causing numerous headaches for Minnesotans and for many of them, resulting in more money out of their pockets. Not only did it tip the scales even further to benefit the wealthy and big corporations, longstanding credits and deductions Minnesotans have counted on to ensure an even playing field have disappeared.
When we see problems like this arise, it’s crucial to come up with solutions instead of just complaining. Last week, I introduced a bill to reinstate the sense of fairness lost in President Trump’s bill while saving you and your family money. My proposal does this in a variety of ways: it expands eligibility for the homestead credit refund to nearly all homeowners and renters, it allows the full property tax deduction for itemizers, restores the benefits of personal and dependent exemptions, creates a Minnesota moving expense credit, and expands the charitable contribution credit. It also makes a number of conforming changes to the federal bill to streamline income tax filing.
One example of an aggravation caused by President Trump’s tax bill was the elimination of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. I found it absolutely ridiculous that many Minnesotans had to stand in line in order to pre-pay their property taxes last December. I don’t want Minnesotans to take a back seat to corporations and billionaires receiving the bulk of the relief under President Trump’s overhaul, and I hope we can work together to move make progress on this bold initiative.
Let’s end gun violence
America is still reeling from the heartbreaking tragedy that occurred recently in Parkland, Florida that resulted in the loss of 17 lives. Last week, advocates from organizations like Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense and Protect Minnesota rallied at the Capitol urging action on this issue. I’m incredibly inspired by the people raising their voices to say “no more,” especially the high school students in Florida who are bravely coming forward to demand change.
While Minnesotans may approach this issue from different points of view, I strongly believe that there are common-sense steps we can take to prevent tragedies like these. Universal background checks is one of these measures, closing a loophole allowing sales to be made at gun shows and over the internet without a background check. This idea has broad support, including upwards of three-quarters of NRA members. Another one of these is a ban on the sale of “bump stocks,” devices like the one used in the Las Vegas shooting which modify firearms to mimic fully automatic weapons, enabling hundreds of rounds to be fired per minute.
Yesterday, in the Public Safety Committee, the Republican Majority stopped a pair of bills addressing this issue. I’d encourage those passionate about this to continue applying grassroots pressure to encourage solutions.
Saying goodbye to the Minnesota House
A couple of weeks ago, I made the difficult decision to not seek reelection in 2018. I thank my constituents for electing me as their representative, my colleagues and the staff at the legislature for all the work they do, and my family, friends, supporters and volunteers for their help along the way. While I have enjoyed serving in the legislature, I am very excited to have the time to enjoy the future outside of it, including becoming a father for the first time with welcoming a daughter into our family this April, and continuing to help Minnesotans through my growing private legal practice.
The privilege of serving in the Minnesota House is completely unmatched, and I will remember this experience the rest of my life. I’m lucky to represent you and so many other passionate, engaged constituents in my hometown community.
I look forward to continuing to serve you through the rest of 2018. We have a great deal of work left to do, and with your input and feedback, I’ll be able to more effectively advocate for you in St. Paul. Please don’t hesitate to give me a call or email me anytime with your thoughts and ideas.
It’s an honor to represent you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Jon Applebaum
State Representative