What’s Happening in the Senate

The day before the Legislature began our Easter/ Passover break, I voted in support of the Senate Tax omnibus bill. I was happy to see that my provision that provides tax relief for restaurants was included in the bill. Currently, restaurants that received money from the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund included in the American Rescue Plan Act are subject to pay state taxes. Those federal grants were a lifeline for many businesses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. My bill would make those grants non-taxable income for restaurants.

The Senate Tax bill also included the complete elimination of the Social Security income tax. I have voted twice before to relieve more senior citizens from the burden of paying taxes on their Social Security benefits, and I continue to support expanding that tax cut. This legislation also provides a tax cut to a broad majority of Minnesotans by reducing the first-tier income tax rate.

I support progress on all of these tax policies. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature on issues facing Minnesotans when we return from Easter/Passover break.

To combat the avian flu that was first detected in Minnesota in late March, the Senate passed a bill to provide $1 million to the state’s agriculture emergency account to help the Department of Agriculture and the Board of Animal Health. While this funding won’t be enough, it is a strong start and allows for a rapid response. The House also voted to pass this funding to ensure that Governor Walz signed this legislation as soon as possible. Currently, the avian flu has been reported in 12 counties, affecting more than 1 million birds. What’s Happening in the District Sheletta Brundidge is a great person and a terrific advocate. It was such a pleasure to present her with a Senate Resolution on the same day that the City of Cottage Grove proclaimed it Sheletta Day! Sen. Susan Kent & Sen. Kari Dziedzic were able to join us for the presentation as well! Sheletta was named Minnesota’s Woman of the Year by USA Today because of her commitment to autism awareness and carbon monoxide poisoning education.

District 54 Senator Karla Bigham speaks in the State Senate Chamber. Photo from Capitol Update by Senator Bigham.

Sheletta Brundidge was honored with a Senate Resolution on April 6, the same day that the Cottage Grove City Council proclaimed Sheletta Day. From left are Senator Susan Kent, Senator Kari Dziedzic, Sheletta Brundidge, and Senator Karla Bigham. Photo from Capitol Update by Senator Bigham.