Volume 5, Issue 4 — February 1, 2019
Weekly Review Video
A weekly message from your Senator
Dear Constituents and Friends,
Week four of the 2019 Legislative Session kicked off with a joint Senate and House press conference on the legalization of recreational cannabis. The issue of cannabis legalization is one that is moving fast around the country. As chief author of a bipartisan bill in the Senate, it is my goal to secure a legislative hearing and to begin the discussion on this issue and engage all stakeholders to provide input on the bill.
With the record cold weather, many committees canceled their hearings in the middle of the week. Despite the cold, committees still heard a continuation of overviews and some legislative proposals.
The week closed out with the kick off of Black History month on Friday, February 1, to honor the contributions of African-Americans to United States history. The National Black History Month theme for 2019 is “Black Migration.”
Session will continue to pick up speed as legislation works its way through committees.
Sincerely,
Melisa
A path forward for recreational cannabis in Minnesota
Legislation legalizing recreational cannabis was introduced on Monday, detailing the regulatory framework and addressing the revenue collection from the sale of recreational cannabis in Minnesota (SF 619).
Five years ago, state lawmakers and members of the public participated in a month-long conversation about the legalization of medical cannabis. While emotions ran high, a bipartisan consensus created a carefully regulated system with safeguards to prevent abuse. While states continue to legalize cannabis for recreational use, including Minnesota’s neighbor Michigan, Minnesota has been reluctant to engage in serious conversations like those that happened five years ago.
On the campaign trail, the governor indicated he would sign a recreational cannabis bill into law should it reach his desk. Public opinion polling conducted by KSTP and SurveyUSA prior to the midterm elections found that 56 percent of Minnesotans favor legalization.
The proposed legislation would accomplish the following:
•Study effects of cannabis related to potency levels and dosage for safe driving
•Warn public about consumption, if you have risk factors for addiction
•Restrict access to youth
•Decriminalize and expunge past non-violent offenses
•Attempt to eliminate black market sales of cannabis
•Fund studies by the scientific community that is peer-reviewed on mental health impact and risk factors
Watch the press conference here!
Tax filing season now open
Minnesota and the federal government both began accepting 2018 income tax returns on Monday, Jan. 28. Taxpayers have until Monday, April 15 to file and pay state and federal income taxes.
Since the state still has not reacted to major federal tax changes passed at the end of 2017, state and federal forms look vastly different this year. However, selecting electronic filing options ensures taxpayers have the most up-to-date information and will make navigating the two systems much easier. State tax laws have not changed at all since last year’s filing season, so taxpayers shouldn’t expect major surprises at the state level.
One notable change does exist, however. For the first time, taxpayers will be able to choose the federal standard deduction – now double the state standard deduction at $24,000 married/joint or $12,000 single – and still itemize at the state level, if it is financially advantageous. In the past, taxpayers were required to make the same selection on both state and federal forms.
More than 64 percent of Minnesota taxpayers may qualify for free electronic filing, and many will also qualify for free tax preparation. There are more than 200 free tax preparation sites across Minnesota, typically serving those age 60 or older, persons with disabilities, those with limited English skills, or those earning less than $55,000 a year. More information on free filing is available here.
Advocates bring opioid awareness to the Capitol
Opioid advocates held a press conference, rally, and a hearing this week to raise awareness and advance bipartisan legislation to combat the opioid addiction and overdose crisis. According to the bill’s authors, opioids have become a public health emergency in the state. More than 400 people statewide died of opioid overdoses in 2017.
The legislation includes language to hold manufacturers and distributors accountable through a licensing fee. If passed, it is estimated the legislation will raise $20 million to help counties pay for costs associated with the opioid epidemic, including child protection services. The bill creates an Opiate Stewardship Advisory Council made of legislators and health experts who will be tasked with developing a statewide approach to combat this problem.
Tweet of the Week
