Nelson Capital Update: Proposed tax hikes, Byron STEM, and more

Welcome Spring! Terry and I were able to spend time with our sons, daughter-in-law and our granddaughter last weekend. It’s always a joy to be with family. We even took a spring walk around Cascade Lake Park and Trail. 

I’m now back in Saint Paul as we dive into the second half of the Legislative Session. Budget bills are making their way through committee and onto the floor over the next five weeks. Please continue to share your priorities with me, and let me know what you would like your State Government to accomplish or stop this session. 

If you haven’t already, this is a great time for you to share your thoughts with me about legislative issues or to seek assistance with any state government or agency issue.

Executive Report:

  • Proposed Tax Hikes
  • Byron Middle School STEM Project
  • MNDOT construction projects
  • Gustavus Women’s Hockey Win!
  • Tax Season Tips

Proposed Tax Hikes

Minnesota has a $17.5B surplus, yet we are seeing the Majority propose tax increases tucked away in many budget bills. I am concerned by the $3.96 Billion increase in taxes and fees in the transportation budget bill alone. 

A minor spot of good news: We were able to pair the Transportation tax hikes down to $2.6B in committee today. Yes, a step in the right direction but the fact remains, we have a surplus. Tax hikes should not be needed. We must be good stewards of taxpayer dollars instead of just sending Minnesotans a higher tax every time tax season rolls around. 

Other tax hikes remain in the Transportation Omnibus Bill. They are regressive taxes which have a greater impact on lower income households.

Newly proposed Taxes and Fees:

  • Motor vehicle tab fee increase: $242M (2024-2025) and $546M (2026-2027)
  • Motor vehicle sales tax increase: $105M (2024-2025) and $122M (2026-2027)

I repeat: With a $17.5B Surplus, tax hikes should be totally off the table!

Byron Middle School STEM Project

Byron Middle School’s STEM program has been brought into the State Spotlight as they won the State Competition for Samsung’s “Solve for Tomorrow challenge.” Students were asked to consider how science, technology, engineering, and math can be used to create change in their communities. 

Byron students identified a problem and created an elegant solution. Students raised funds, planned, designed and built the Cubby. They also designed and wrote the code for the web site and wired each door to be accessed with a private remote code and more. Byron students can now privately access the food, personal items, clothes, and other necessities. 

Congratulations to the students who have participated in the Solve for Tomorrow project! I wish them good luck as they go on to compete in the National competition. They have the opportunity to win $100,000 in prizes consisting of Samsung tech and classroom supplies. Winners will be announced on April 19th! 

Read More here.

Gustavus Women’s Hockey Win

Huge congratulations to the Gustavus women’s hockey team on your recent national title, especially Rochester’s own Clara Billings! A phenomenal achievement!!

https://www.fox9.com/video/1196434

MNDOT Construction Projects

I was glad to support the many infrastructure projects happening throughout the state of Minnesota during construction season. During the 2021 Legislative Session I supported the funding of the projects MNDOT just recently announced. 

A few of these projects are taking place in District 24:

I am aggressively pushing for funding that would support the construction of an interchange at County State Aid Hwy 44 and Trunk Hwy 14 and the associated flyover structure at 7th Street NW that will address three main goals: safety, mobility, and capacity/growth. 

I’m pushing for this funding to come from three funding sources: General Obligation bonds, General Fund dollars through the Transportation Committee, as well as Federal RAISE grant funds. Stay tuned as I have a hearing on this funding next week!

Tax Tips

April 18th is the Tax Filing Deadline, and if you still have yet to file these tips from MnDOR may help!

  • Free tax preparation services are available for those who qualify. Free tax preparation sites are available across Minnesota through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide programs. Act quickly as many sites book up as the filing deadline approaches. You can visit our website to find free tax preparation sites near you.
  • E-file and choose direct deposit. Electronically filing your return and choosing direct deposit for your refund is the most secure and convenient way to file your taxes and get your refund. If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $73,000 or less, you may qualify to file electronically for free. Use the links on our website to see if you qualify for free state and federal income tax filing.
  • Track Your Refund. We process most returns within 21 days of the return being accepted. However, some returns may take longer to review. You can track your refund and find out whether you need to take any action to allow us to complete processing your refund by using our Where’s My Refund? System.
  • Beware of scammers. Tax time is a busy time for scammers and criminals. They’ll use phone calls, text messages, and emails often purporting to be the IRS or Department of Revenue asking for personal and financial information. Use caution and never provide personal information unless you are absolutely sure the situation is legitimate. Contact us if you are concerned about potentially fraudulent contact.

Fore more filing tips visit: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/press-release/2023-03-29/still-need-file-your-taxes-these-tips-can-help