CAPITOL UPDATE MARCH 5, 2021
This week I continued my virtual constituent meetings and committee hearings. It continues to be an honor to serve even in a remote capacity. The pace of session is increasing as the policy deadlines approach and committee hearings are being extended into evening hours.
Committee Updates
This week in Judiciary Committee we heard legislation intended to close a loophole in Minnesota’s criminal statutes dealing with torture.
Sen. Jim Carlson’s bill is the result of months of work with a constituent whose son was abused and tortured by a trusted caregiver. The child was nonverbal and had physical disabilities that prevented them from being able to communicate what was happening. Once this substantial abuse was discovered, the caregiver was removed. However, there was no criminal charge to fit the facts of the case because Minnesota does not have a torture statute. The caregiver was eventually charged with a lesser crime, and the penalty was severely inadequate given the circumstances of the abuse. Truly heartbreaking testimony was given by the parent and County Attorney who prosecuted the case. I voted for the bill and it awaits a hearing in the Finance Committee.
Sen. Latz in the News
I spoke with Tom Lyden of Fox9 News about my legislation surrounding gun reform. I am as committed to these changes as I have ever been. Increasing gun sales and pervasive distrust within some communities means it is even more critical to ensure we have responsible gun owners, and we expand the ability of families and law enforcement to act before a tragedy. My interview can be found here.
The Sun Sailor also covered the bill here.
Paycheck Protection Program Tax Conformity
On Monday, the Senate will consider SF263, a bill intended to conform the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness into Minnesota tax law. The first PPP loans were authorized in the federal CARES Act passed in March 2020 with the understanding they would be forgiven if used on allowable expenses, which included employee wages, rent, utilities, and other business-related expenses. Under current Minnesota and federal law, forgiven debts are required to be included in a taxpayer’s income for that year. However, Congress specifically exempted these forgiven debts from gross income. Congress further clarified the expenses supported with forgiven PPP loan revenue also may be deducted as a business expense.
In Tax Committee, an amendment was added to allow taxpayers to subtract up to $1,500 in supplemental unemployment insurance compensation payments received in 2020. When Congress approved 17 weeks of $600/week and $300/week unemployment bonus payments in 2020, Minnesota opted for the quickest option to distribute benefits and did not automatically withhold taxes from these payments. As a result, many unemployed workers either, a) did not know they should set aside some of the money for tax purposes or, b) needed the cash up front and could not afford to set aside money. Now that 2020 tax filing is underway, many unemployed workers are facing large tax bills that they cannot afford.
City Spotlight: Plymouth
Congratulations to Plymouth Police Chief Mike Goldstein on his retirement from public service.
Supporting the MPCA’s Clean Cars Standards
This week I signed a letter in support of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Proposed Rules Adopting Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards: Clean Cars Minnesota, Minnesota Rules, chapter 7023. The proposed rule follows clean cars standards previously adopted by numerous other states, where they have been successfully implemented and maintained. Minnesota is in a unique position now to benefit from the direct experience of these peer states, which include oil and gas producers (Colorado) and states with cold climates (Maine and Vermont).
The pandemic has reminded us the importance of acting in the best interest for our communities – whether that be city, county, state, country, or world. Vaccine distribution is increasing across Minnesota and we ought to do our best to remain cognizant that our friends and neighbors may not yet be eligible in the current phase. Please continue to wear your mask in public spaces, allow for space while shopping or running other errands, and be kind and patient with one another.
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Ron