Rep. Erik Paulsen e-mailed the following legislative update:

Transportation

Recently, the House met in session to debate the merits of raising the gas tax - and several other taxes - for transportation. The bill ultimately passed, but Governor Pawlenty has promised a swift veto of the bill and it's estimated $885 million worth of new taxes.

I do have concerns about the propsed increase in gas tax as well as some of the other tax increase proposals - especially since the Governor is going to veto them and we need to make progress on transportation funding.

So some might ask, "Erik if you are opposed to the gas tax increase, what is your proposal?" This is a very fair question and I support several initiatives that address transportation funding. One would take $750,000,000 of the $1 billion one-time surplus and spend it for roads and bridges. The other would take $750,000,000 from the general fund and put it in to roads and bridges. Most people don't know that we do not spend any general fund money on road and bridge construction. This money could be used for funding road construction by paying cash for those projects or the money could be used to pay the debt service on bonds and therefore leverage a significantly larger sum. These are just some other ideas that haven't been given consideration this session.

Speaking of Taxes

This weekend Senate Democrats approved a fourth-tier income tax increase, giving Minnesota the highest income tax rate in the nation. For decades our state has fought to get out of the Top 10 for taxes. With less than three months into the legislative session, the Democrats put us right back in the mix.

We have a $34 billion budget and a $2 billion budget surplus. There is enough money to fund our priorities and provide tax relief. I don't remember making Minnesota number one in the country in income taxes part of the election message from last November.

Reenlistment Bonuses For Our Military

Under a bill, which passed the House floor this week by a vote of 131-1, commissioned officers in the National Guard could qualify for a reenlistment bonus, as well as a $1,000 tuition reimbursement grant. The grants would be available, on a competitive basis, to a current National Guard members or a person who agrees to join. The money would be for reimbursement of postsecondary education expenses not covered by other awards that may be available to the member.

Other

My legislation requiring a public website with a searchable database for all state non-profit grants and conracts is now included in the Omnibus State Government Finance Bill * good strong bipartisan support for my initiative.

My legislation for Chinese Mandarin pilot programs for K-12 schools has been rolled into the House K-12 Finance bill that is moving forward towards a vote on the House floor in the next 2 weeks or so.

Tax Deadline Approaching

As the deadline for filing our income taxes approaches, I hope you will find the following toll-free tax numbers to be helpful. The Department of Revenue is providing this free assistance as a part of their overall effort to enhance their services and assist Minnesota tax payers as they prepare their taxes.

Individual Taxpayer Self Service 800 657-3676

Individual Taxpayer Assistance 800 652-9094

Collection Assistance 800 657-3909

Sales Tax Assistance 800 657-3777

Withholding Assistance 800 657-3594

Have a great week and Easter/Passover break !

Erik