Greetings District 10!
The 2022 legislative session began this week—there are many issues we will be dealing with in the months ahead. Below are a couple items from this week.
Legislation for Phasing-Out Social Security Tax
Senator Carrie Ruud is once again championing legislation that provides a phased-in subtraction of taxable Social Security benefits for purposes of calculating taxable income in the state of Minnesota.
As of last year, Minnesota is currently one of only 12 states that impose a Social Security Income tax on retirees, many of whom are living on a fixed income. North Dakota amended its tax code last year to strike Social Security payments from its definition of “taxable income,” making all of Minnesota’s neighboring states more friendly to seniors with Social Security incomes.
I have carried this bill since 2013, and though we made progress in 2017, it wasn’t enough—it’s time to finally phase out this senseless tax. Many of my constituents are senior citizens, and many of them have had to homestead in other states because of Minnesota’s high taxes. We want our seniors to retire in our state, not leave for neighboring states that have more favorable tax structures. It’s time we listened to Minnesotans and phase-out this antiquated tax.
Social Security Income is currently double taxed in the state of Minnesota, meaning a tax is paid when the funds are taken from your paycheck, and a tax is again assessed when you receive your benefits later in life. Over 300,000 Minnesotans would stand to benefit from the repeal of this tax.
Public Safety Legislation
The Senate Republicans rolled out a C.O.P.S. Program, which stands for “Creating Opportunities in Public Safety.” The proposals focus on recruitment to address the peace officer shortage affecting the entire state. The six different bills help young people get their degree in law enforcement, provide opportunities for nontraditional entrants into policing, and fund a campaign as well as continuing education to highlight the honorable profession and long-term benefits of a career in law enforcement.
Across the state, we have been hearing from law enforcement agencies that are struggling with staff. Law Enforcement officers are leaving the force in far higher numbers than they are applying to join the force and it’s hitting a critical stage for their ability to provide for safe communities. This is not an accident—these losses are a direct result of the ‘Defund the Police’ and anti-police rhetoric, that has demonized police officers.The package proposed this week is specifically designed to counteract that and bring safety back to our communities by showing men and women seeking to become LEOs that they have our respect and appreciation.
Here are Bills I authored and introduced this week:
Senate File 2766: Lottery in lieu of taxes
Senate File 2767: Department of Natural Resources Policy
Senate File 2768: Salt Applicator Certification Program
Senate File 2769: Explore Minnesota Tourism
Senate File 2780: Making bail money property of person who deposited it
It has been a busy couple weeks preparing for session…I have met with many organizations and state agencies. Thank you for the recent meetings—Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Animal Humane Society, Board of Water & Soil Resources, Minnesota Children’s Museum, Explore Minnesota, Central Lakes College, Ceded Territory Fishery Committee, Minnesota Clean Water Council, Legislative COVID Response Commission, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Greater Minnesota Parks & Trails Commission.
Local News: The Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals honored Mike O’Neil, Principal at Pequot Lakes Middle School as the 2022 Middle School Principal of the year. Congratulations to Mike—thank you for your outstanding leadership!
If you’re looking to hear more from the Capitol, please like me on Facebook.
As always please feel free to contact my office with any questions you might have. My office can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4913 or at sen.carrie.ruud@senate.mn.
Talk to you soon!
Carrie Ruud