On Tuesday, the Minnesota Legislature convened for the 2020 legislative session at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. The legislative session must adjourn by May 18, 2020.

“This legislative session presents us with an opportunity to further lower health care costs, cut taxes, invest in public infrastructure, and finally reign in the state agency bureaucracy. We have a budget surplus, which presents us with a real opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve,” said Senator Jerry Relph (R-St. Cloud), vice chair of the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee. “Minnesota is among the highest-taxed states in the nation; I expect us to explore policy initiatives like full Section 179 conformity, middle-income tax cuts, removing the state tax on Social Security, using cash for some of the state’s capital needs, and more. I’m looking forward to that robust discussion.”

Last month, Senate Republicans released their Vision 2020 agenda, which will be used to guide the Senate majority’s priorities during the session. The legislature is expected to consider a capital investment bill, a supplemental budget, tax relief, and more. In addition, the Senate is expected to consider measures related to health care costs, public safety, roads and bridges, public infrastructure, and other areas.

“In 2019, we passed a $50 billion budget – the largest in state history – that cut the cost of health care, provided middle-income tax relief and made needed changes to the way we deliver government services. We’re looking to build on that in 2020 by addressing the state’s achievement gap, working to create affordable and reliable energy, and making sure taxpayers continue to feel relief. I’m looking forward to more bipartisan success in the 2020 session,” said Senator Relph.

Senator Jerry Relph represents St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta, and the surrounding areas in the Minnesota Senate.