WEEK ONE: Feb. 23, 2018
Welcome back to the Legislature! Here’s what to look for in 2018:
State lawmakers returned to Saint Paul this week to kick off the 2018 Legislative Session. The second year of a biennium is historically reserved for the development of a significant capital investment bill (also known as the “bonding bill”) and a supplemental budget. Other press ing issues, such as federal tax conformity, will also take center stage.
TAXES: There is typically agreement among lawmakers to conform Minnesota’s tax code to federal tax reform, but this year may be different due to the Trump Administration’s federal tax changes. If Minnesota does not conform, 2019 state tax filing could be more complicated for taxpayers. If the state does conform, significant state-based tax reform will be needed to avoid a potential $463 million tax increase on Minnesotans.
BONDING: Local governments and state agencies submitted $3 billion in bonding requests during the summer and fall of 2017, demonstrating significant need for public works projects throughout the state. Public works and construction projects are well known as economic development tools that create jobs in local communities. Governor Dayton released his bonding recommendations in January 2018, which totaled $1.5 billion. Senate Republicans do not have the same appetite for fully funding Minnesota’s needs, so the size and scope of a final bill remains to be seen.
BUDGET: Minnesota Management and Budget is scheduled to release a new budget forecast on Wednesday, Feb. 28, which provides the final reference point of the state’s fiscal health before debate on a supplemental budget begins. According to MMB, state revenues for the month of January 2018 were up $349 million, signaling that Minnesota could again have a hefty surplus in the state coffers.
LEGISLATIVE FUNDING: The Legislature now has a budget of its own after months of using funds from the Legislative Coordinating Commission to pay staff and operations. A conference committee passed a clean funding bill with no amendments late Wednesday, which was approved by both legislative bodies on Thursday.
We are pleased to welcome Karla Bigham to the Minnesota State Senate. Karla represents the southeast metro, including parts of Dakota and Washington counties.
Minnesota receives $850 million in 3M settlement over east metro groundwater contamination
3M Company agreed Tuesday to make an $850 million payment to the state, settling the largest environment lawsuit in Minnesota history.
MAPE members and allies rally on Capitol steps Tuesday
More than 1,000 MAPE members and allies packed the Capitol steps Tuesday to urge legislators to pass their contract.
Advocates for sensible gun regulation have had a busy week at the Capitol.
Say no to hand-held cellphones while driving
Advocates and supporters of distraction free driving legislation rallied in the State Capitol rotunda on Thursday.
Addressing sexual harassment at the Minnesota Capitol
Several high-profile allegations of sexual misconduct have renewed efforts to ensure a safe space for legislators, staff, and all who work at or visit the Minnesota Capitol.
Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee gets update on recycling funds
The Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee heard from commissioners in Ottertail and Washington counties Wednesday about the need for directing a larger share of state funds to county recycling (SCORE) grants.
Legislative budget bill passes committee
A conference committee convened Wednesday evening and passed a report to both the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives.The bill includes appropriations for the Senate and House that were line-item vetoed by Governor Dayton at the end of the 2017 session.
Members of the public raise voices on elder abuse
Legislators are diligently working to understand the full scope of elder abuse in the state’s long-term care facilities. Members of the public were invited to share their stories this week in the Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care to inform discussions about ways to ensure the health and safety of Minnesota’s seniors.
Bonding requests in Judiciary
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard bonding proposals this week from the Department of Corrections and the Department of Public Safety.
Tax Committee begins discussing federal tax bill
The Senate Tax Committee dedicated its first hearing of the session to learning more about the federal tax changes passed late in 2017. It’s the first step in what will be a tedious process of analyzing the law’s potential effects on Minnesota taxpayers and considering how the state should react.