Friends and neighbors,
This week in the Senate, we heard and reviewed a variety of bills in committee. In the Senate Civil Law and Data Practices Policy Committee, which I serve on as a member, I introduced S.F. 1226.
This bill would emphasize that the court consider the developmental disability of a child when determining parenting time and custody. Currently, state law only considers any special medical, mental health, or educational need of a child. I was made aware of this missing language in current statute after being contacted by a constituent, Corina Sarsland, and her lawyer.
Corina is the mother of a son with Down Syndrome, and when her son has court ordered visitation, he is not receiving sufficient care and the doctor’s recommendations are not being followed. For this reason, Corina was never fully able to meet the level of visitations, which resulted in thousands of dollars in legal fees.
By adding ‘developmental disability’ to the law, we can help families across Minnesota who are facing similar situations. As a parent of a child with special needs, this is a deeply personal issue. And it is a privilege to carry this legislation this session to help people like Corina and her son.
In the Senate Tax Committee, we also reviewed several proposals this week to fully eliminate the Social Security income tax for our seniors. Minnesota is currently one of only 13 states with this tax, and this is a request I regularly hear from constituents and the local Chambers of Commerce on.
Eliminating this tax would help keep retirees in Minnesota instead of leaving for states that do not tax this income. I believe it is long overdue to stop taxing Minnesota emirs twice on their Social Security benefits. And with our $7.7 billion state budget surplus, now is the opportune time to do just that.
Furthermore, eliminating the state’s tax on Social Security benefits is part of a tax relief proposal Senate Republicans introduced this week. This proposal would reduce the first-tier income tax rate from 5.35% to 2.8%. If passed, the changes would be the biggest tax cut ever and provide $8.51 billion in tax relief to taxpayers over the next three years.
Under the Republican proposal, a Minnesota family making $100,000 would see a tax savings of $1,000 each year. A typical individual making $37,000 would receive about a $500 annual reduction. This can be contrasted with the governor’s tax proposal, which would provide the same family with a one-time $350 check, and an individual filer would receive a $175 check, with no long-term savings or reductions.
Getting more money back in the pockets of hardworking Minnesotans is critical, and the proposal brought forward this week would provide immediate and permanent tax relief.
In another committee I serve on, the Senate Judiciary Committee, we heard a bill, S.F. 3223, to establish a program to award bonuses to law enforcement officers for exemplary service. This bill would create a fund so a chief law enforcement officer — of either a state or local police department — may nominate a deserving individual for a bonus. Examples of exemplary service includes saving lives by preforming CPR or quickly transporting blood donations.
Our officers put their lives on the line every day and play a central role in the safety of our communities. The merit bonuses provided by this program would help show our great appreciation for their work and dedication.
I want to hear from you, my constituents, on issues that are important to you. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have. As session moves forward, I will keep your thoughts and concerns in mind as legislation comes before me. You can contact my office at sen.bruce.anderson@senate.mn or 651-296-5981.
Sincerely,
Bruce Anderson