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Hello from St. Paul,
It was another busy week here at the House and a busy week for veterans’ issues. Four of my bills relating to veterans received hearings this week in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy and Public Safety Finance and Policy committees.
Veterans Bills
The first three bills received hearings in the Veterans and Military Affairs committee. HF 4038 provides property tax exemptions for congressionally chartered veteran organizations. They include organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). This bill was supported by both Republicans and Democrats and will allow tax relief for organizations that help connect veterans with resources and advocate for the well-being of the veteran community. It allows these organizations to keep more of their money to use towards helping the men and women who bravely served our country.
The second bill, HF 4134, creates an expanded veteran designation for driver’s licenses in the state of Minnesota and amends the previous statute.
HF 4976 creates a tuition-free postsecondary education program for veterans who have received a Purple Heart and their children. For eligibility, the person must have received a Purple Heart or be the adopted or biological child of a Purple Heart recipient, be a resident of Minnesota, be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Since Purple Heart recipients were injured in the line of duty, it is only right that they have the option to receive a college degree regardless of their potential disability or economic status.
All three bills passed with bipartisan support. HF 4038 was referred to the House Taxes Committee. HF 4134 was referred to the Transportation Committee. Finally, HF 4976 was sent to Higher Education.
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One other veterans' bill, HF 3304, was heard in the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee. This bill requires reporting on the sentencing of military veterans and creates a success metrics report from the courts through the Minnesota Sentencing Guideline Commission to the Legislature. This will ensure accountability, transparency, and effectiveness of the new Veterans Restorative Justice Act passed last year. It fills a missing gap in the transparency of the new program. |
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Last year, the DFL majority’s Tax Omnibus Bill had some errors, specifically relating to net operating loss (NOL). The bill reduced the NOL deduction from 80% to 70% of taxable income for businesses. However, the year of implementation was listed incorrectly as fiscal year 2023 instead of FY 2024. HF 4769 corrected this issue. House Republicans had pushed Democrats earlier in the session for a speedy fix to help businesses avoid the cost of amended returns. Unfortunately, those concerns were not heard.
Many groups were visiting the capitol last week. I had the opportunity to sit down with quite a few constituents and partners including the Economic Development Association of MN (EDAM), Gun Owners Caucus, The Long-Term Care Imperative (LTCI), Homelessness advocates, Physical Therapists, Care Providers of Minnesota, Insurance and Financial Services.
Also, I had the opportunity to visit with the Minnesota High School Junior House Pages.
A big thanks to everyone who came this week and met with me!
I wish you a wonderful snowy week!"
Please Contact Me
I wish you a wonderful and snowy weekend!
Please continue to reach out if I can be of any assistance to you. You can reach me by phone at 651-296-4244 or by email at rep.mark.wiens@house.mn.gov.
Have a great weekend!
Mark
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353 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.4244 |
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