Session Update from Representative Kim Norton!
01/26/2007
Dear Neighbors,
I'd like to thank you again for allowing me to serve as your State Representative. It is an honor to work for our common interests at the Capitol.
I will be sending these regular updates with information about upcoming town hall meetings and other events, brief summaries of what is happening at the Capitol, and any additional information I feel may be of interest to you.
I am in the process of writing the survey that I will send out to my constituents. If you have any ideas or suggestions for topics or questions, please share them with me. You can send me an email - just write "Survey question or idea" in the subject line. Your input is greatly appreciated.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions I would love to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Kim Norton State Representative
CONSTITUENT MEETINGS Second Saturday of every month February - May
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Dunn Brothers Coffee
120 Elton Hills Lane NW, Rochester
LEGISLATION THAT WILL BOOST MAYO CLINIC GENOMICS GRANT
Last week I introduced legislation I chief-authored as Vice Chair of the Biosciences and Emerging Technologies Committee to increase funding for the University of Minnesota & Mayo Clinic's Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics.
Thus far the Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics has made important advances in the fight against Alzheimer's, prostate cancer, and heart disease. With the additional funding this bill will provide, even more can be done in Minnesota in the fight against these and many other diseases that have and continue to afflict not only Minnesotans, but people around the world.
Not only does the Partnership stimulate the creation of new technologies and much-needed improvement in health care, but it also has the potential to create new jobs for Minnesotans and additional revenue for the state itself. Therefore, the economic impact of increased investment in this program is a good choice for our state. For the program's history of success and potential positive impact for state and local economies, I felt that it was imperative to act quickly on this important legislation.
The Partnership has done more than just create new innovations in medical science. It has taken a proactive approach in making a positive impact on the Minnesota economy by partnering with the BioBusiness Alliance to spread the word across the state about the positive impacts its research has and will continue to have on our economy.
With widespread support throughout the legislature to address health care in the state, the Governor's support, and the Partnership's history of success in science and economic development, this bill has a good chance this session. I will continue to work hard to make sure this bill passes. Reinvesting in this important program is good for science, good for our state, and good for Rochester.
COVER ALL KIDS BILL (HF0001) This bill was introduced and discussed in the Health and Human Services Committee on January 16th. This initiative establishes a children's health security account and program for implementation in July of 2008. It will merge MA and Minnesota Care and then use those dollars to pay for program services without raising taxes. Eligible children must have household incomes not exceeding 300% of the federal poverty guidelines and live in the state. Enrollment in this program is voluntary.
FEDERAL CONFORMITY BILL (HF0008) This bill was passed unanimously in the House this week. It provides over $24 million in tax relief to Minnesota college students, teachers, and military personnel. Specifically this bill: Saves college students money by allowing low- and middle-income taxpayers to deduct up to $4,000 of college tuition and related expenses. Helps K-12 teachers by increasing to $250 the amount of out-of-pocket expenses they can deduct for books and supplies. Makes military combat pay retirement contributions tax exempt. Without this provision, members of the military (including the National Guard) deployed in combat zones have little earned income other than their combat pay. It is expected to pass in the Senate and be signed into law by Governor Pawlenty in the coming days. Until this happens, I encourage you to wait to prepare your tax forms to avoid filing time-consuming amended returns to claim refunds.
STAY INFORMED Along with these updates, another great way to be informed is to read the non-partisan magazines of the House and Senate. The House publication, Session Weekly, can be found online at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/swmain.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.leg.state.mn.us/htv/schedule.asp.
You can sign up for email updates on specific bills at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/leg/billsublogin.asp. And you can sign up for email updates on specific committees at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/maillist/mailinglist.asp.
You can find a copy of Governor Pawlenty's State of the State address at http://www.governor.state.mn.us/stellent/groups/public/documents/web_content/prod007925.pdf.