Rep. Kim Norton - Newsletter 4/25/08
04/25/2008
Dear Neighbors,
This week the House passed a comprehensive energy policy bill. We also approved a study that would explore the state's interest in implementing a cap and trade system in Minnesota to ease greenhouse gas emissions. Thursday marked another day of lengthy debate on the House floor. We took up important policy bills regarding agriculture and veterans affairs, transportation, and more.
Just three weeks before the close of the legislative session, conference committees are working hard night and day when the bodies are not in session. The budget negotiations are continuing, and a compromise is expected soon between all parties. I remain committed to resolving the budget deficit responsibly, without raising taxes – and without negatively impacting Minnesota students or senior citizens.
The health care reform conference committee, which I serve on, is also working to come to agreement on this important issue. We are working cooperatively with a wide variety of agencies, providers, and non-profit groups – including Mayo and area health care professionals – in order to reform payment, increase quality, lower costs, and improve public health.
Please continue contacting me with your questions, comments, or concerns by phone at (651) 296-9249 or by email at . I appreciate the input so many of you have given already this year and look forward to hearing from you about your thoughts and concerns.
Kim Norton
State Representative
NEXT CONSTITUENT MEETING
Second Saturday of the Month (May 10, 2008)
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Dunn Brothers Coffee
120 Elton Hills Drive NW, Rochester
PROVISIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE BILL PASSES HOUSE
I authored a measure (HF 2628) that was included in this year's transportation policy bill being debated on the House floor today. This initiative would allow young drivers a bit more time to gain the experience necessary to be good drivers by modifying provisional drivers licenses for teens. Provisional drivers licenses are licenses given to young drivers who are at least 16 years old, have completed their drivers education courses, passed their road test, and have possessed a drivers permit for at least six months without incident.
My bill would require the following:
- For the first six months, only one passenger under the age of 20 (who is not a family member) would be allowed in the vehicle;
- For the second six months, up to three non-family passengers would be allowed in the vehicle; and
- Hours of driving for provisional license holders would be restricted between midnight and 5:00am, except to drive to work, school, or with a licensed driver over the age of 25.
Minnesota has the most teenagers in the nation behind the wheel in deadly crashes – this is not an area where we want to be number one. More teens die from car crashes than any other cause. Minnesota is one of only four states in the nation that doesn't take these kinds of precautions with teenage drivers. Currently provisional licensees are not allowed to use a cell phone while driving and must have every passenger under 18 buckled up.
With the growing rate of teenage driving deaths in Minnesota and across the nation, we need to take necessary precautions to protect our young people, and keep our roads safe. By enacting these new standards, we can give teen drivers the time they need to get comfortable behind the wheel before taking on additional passengers and distractions.
Additional information on HF 2628 can be found online at http://www.house.mn. Please contact me with your questions and concerns on this issue.
DON'T MISS OUT ON YOUR ECONOMIC STIMULUS CHECK
Just a reminder – you must file a 2007 tax return in order to receive your 2008 economic stimulus check from the federal government. If you don't, you will miss out on a check of up to $600, or more. All taxpayers with qualifying income of at least $3,000 in 2007 are eligible for the stimulus check. This includes low-income workers, and recipients of Social Security and veterans' benefits.
Visit http://www.irs.gov or call (800) 829-1040 for more information.
If you need help filing your tax return, locate a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site near you for free tax return filing by calling (800) 906-9887.
APPLY FOR A PROPERTY TAX REFUND
Every year, thousands of Minnesotans who are eligible for property tax relief don't take advantage of it. The average property tax refund totals around $620.
To receive your refund, you have to file a property tax refund return – form M1PR. To get this form and instructions log onto http://www.taxes.state.mn.us to print a copy, or call (651) 296-4444 to have a form sent to you. You can also file electronically by going online to http://www.taxes.state.mn.us and clicking on "File a return" on the e-Services menu.
BILL BRIEF
HF 2426: TEFRA Notification Modified – Requiring change from 3 months to 6 months for notification of disability re-determination. Passed on House floor, and awaits Governor Pawlenty's approval. This bill came at the request of a Rochester constituent.
HF 3579: DHS Technical Changes to Continued Care. Passed on House floor, and is currently in conference committee.
HF 3151: LifeTrack Grant – Small grant to continue the successful IMAA Job Skills training program. Passed on House floor, and is currently in conference committee.
HF 3885: Teachers of Color Grants - Provides for $200,000 of 2008 Pell Grant excess to be directed towards Jr/Sr year scholarships for low income, students of color to encourage them to enter the teaching profession. Passed on House floor and is now in conference committee.
HF 3467: Charter School Teacher notification of return date modified to Feb. 15. Passed E-12 Education Policy and awaits a floor vote.
STAY INFORMED
Reading the non-partisan magazines of the House and Senate is another great way to stay informed.
The House publication, Session Weekly, can be found online at http://www.house.mn/hinfo/swmain.asp
You can sign up to receive a hard copy delivered by mail to your home at http://www.house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp
Over in the Senate, Senate Briefly can be found at http://www.senate.mn/briefly/
You can also watch House floor sessions at http://www.house.mn/htv/schedule.asp
You can sign up for email updates on specific bills at http://www.house.mn/leg/billsublogin.asp
You can sign up for email updates on specific committees at http://www.house.mn/maillist/mailinglist.asp
Kim Norton
House of Representatives-29B