Latest news with #MinnesotaHouseofRepresentatives
CBS News
03-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Minnesota House of Representatives passes a new bipartisan drunk driving bill in a 123 to 5 vote
Minnesota can expect tuition hikes as state budget looks bleak, and more news headlines Minnesota can expect tuition hikes as state budget looks bleak, and more news headlines Minnesota can expect tuition hikes as state budget looks bleak, and more news headlines The Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill to reform the state's DWI polices on Thursday, following a tragic drunk driving accident at a St. Louis Park restaurant last September. During a late summer evening at the Park Tavern, a man plowed through the restaurant patio, killing two people and injuring nine others. At the time of the accident, the driver had a lengthy record of five prior DWI convictions. The new bill proposes changes that will strengthen state laws that are currently in place, including lengthening the amount of time repeat offenders are required to use an ignition interlock device. Under current law, if a person has three DWIs in a decade's time, they are required to use an interlock device for four years. The new proposed changes increase it to 10 years if an individual has three or more convictions in their lifetime. Prior to the crash at Park Tavern, the driver had an interlock in his vehicle from 2015 to 2020 following his most recent conviction, records show. Advocates of the new bill say that had these changes been in effect at the time, the man would have still had the device in his vehicle until 2025. The author of the bill, Rep. Larry Kraft, pointed to data from the Center for Disease and Prevention Control that shows having an interlock device reduces repeat offenses by 70% while they are installed. "Since the tragedy which impacted our community last year, it has been a top priority of mine to try and stop people who have a recurring problem with drinking and driving from killing or injuring Minnesotans," said Kraft. "This bipartisan legislation is focused on improving public safety and is a critical step toward prevention and safer roads for everyone." The bill was passed on May 2 by a vote of 123 to 5 and has been sent to Senate.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Republican candidate wins Minnesota Senate special election Tuesday night
Republican Keri Heintzeman won the Minnesota state Senate District 6 special election Tuesday night. She garnered roughly 12,750 votes, or 60.27%, while her Democratic opponent Denise Slipy amassed approximately 8,376 votes, or 39.6%, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State. Heintzeman ran her campaign on reining in wasteful spending, pro-life policies, lowering taxes and protecting the Second Amendment right to have a gun, according to her campaign website. She was the director of President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District, according to the Minnesota Reformer. More: Minnesota Sen. Eichorn resigns after underage prostitution arrest Heintzeman, who is married to state Rep. Josh Heintzeman, R-Nisswa, won the seat after former Republican Sen. Justin Reichorn resigned, following being arrested for allegedly soliciting an underage prostitute. The Heintzeman couple has six children, according to the Minnesota House of Representatives. The Republican's Tuesday night win narrows the Democratic majority in the Minnesota Senate back to one vote. Senate District 6 includes Brainerd, Grand Rapids and Breezy Point. Corey Schmidt covers politics and courts for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@ This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Republican Keri Heintzeman wins Minnesota Senate special election
Miami Herald
26-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
These 9 states tax retirees' Social Security the most
Are you searching for the most tax-friendly state to retire in? The ideal location largely depends on your sources of retirement income, net worth, and other tax-related considerations. Some states offer better advantages if most of your income comes from Social Security benefits. In contrast, others may favor those relying on retirement account withdrawals, pensions, or investment income. Related: Tony Robbins makes major statement on 401(k)s, IRAs "These are nuances that retirees genuinely need and often don't think about," says Ben Loughery, certified financial planner with Locke Wealth Management. "This is what separates retirement financial planning from good to great." In this multi-part series, we'll explore which states offer the best and worst tax advantages depending on sources of retirement income. In part one, we'll focus on which states offer the least tax advantages for retirees whose income comes mostly from Social Security benefits. In reality, roughly 40% of men and women receive 50% or more of their income from Social Security, making Social Security taxation a critical consideration when deciding where to live your golden years. If the bulk of your retirement income comes from Social Security, there's good news: 41 states don't tax Social Security benefits at all. And this widespread exemption reflects a common policy decision across the country not to tax this crucial income source for seniors, which on average equals roughly 40% of income for all Social Security beneficiaries. As of 2025, nine states impose some form of taxation on Social Security benefits, making them potentially the worst states to retire in if you're collecting Social Security income. That said, most have exemptions based on age, income thresholds, or other factors. For example, you'll wind up with a tax bill in these states if you don't meet the requirement for a tax break. Related: Social Security's COLA change will impact payments in 2025 Colorado: It is fully deductible for those 65+. Beginning in 2025, residents age 55-64 are exempt from taxation of Social Security benefits if their adjusted gross income (AGI) is below $75,000 (single) or $95,000 (joint), with a smaller $20,000 deduction for those exceeding these limits. Earn more than that, and you'll have to pay. Connecticut: Benefits are exempt if AGI is below $75,000 (single/married filing separately) or $100,000 (joint/head of household). Above these thresholds, up to 25% of benefits may be taxed. Minnesota: Taxes federally taxable benefits but offers a subtraction that fully exempts benefits for many, with exemption phasing out above specific AGI thresholds ($108,320 married filing jointly; $84,490 single/head of household, and $54,160 married filing separately). The Minnesota House of Representatives is trying to pass bill HF5. This bill exempts all Social Security benefits from the state's income tax. Read also Unlimited Social Security subtraction permission. Montana: Taxes federally taxable benefits with a small $5,500 subtraction from federal taxable income for those 65+ ($11,000 for joint filers), introduced in 2024 and indexed for inflation starting in 2025. Montana has a bill in the state legislature, specifically House Bill 148, that aims to repeal the state tax on Social Security benefits, according to BillTrack50. The bill would remove Social Security benefits from the definition of "Montana source income," effectively exempting them from state income tax, as reported by BillTrack50. Also, the Montana age 65 and older deduction is $5,660 in 2025 (double if married filing jointly). New Mexico: Benefits are exempt for single filers with AGI up to $100,000 and joint filers with AGI up to $150,000, with AGI limits not adjusted for inflation. Rhode Island: Benefits are exempt for those at full retirement age whose AGI in 2024 is below $104,200 (most filers) or $130,250 (joint). Utah: Benefits not taxable if AGI is $90,000 or less, recently increased from $75,000 in 2025 for married taxpayers filing jointly). The Social Security Benefits Tax Credit was expanded with increased income thresholds for credit phaseout: $45,000 for married filing separately (previously $37,500), $54,000 for single filers (previously $45,000), and $90,000 for head of household and joint filers (previously $75,000). Governor Cox has proposed completely eliminating state taxation of benefits in the FY2026 budget. Vermont: Benefits are fully exempt below AGI thresholds ($50,000 single/MFS, $65,000 joint) with partial exemption phasing out above those levels up to $60,000 (single) or $75,000 (joint). The governor's FY2026 budget proposes increased eligibility for Social Security income tax exemption, among other tax relief measures. West Virginia: Currently phasing out taxation with 65% of benefits deductible in 2025. Complete elimination (100% deduction) is scheduled for 2026 regardless of income level. When evaluating where to live in retirement, focusing solely on state income tax is tempting. However, as Lisa Featherngill, national director of wealth planning at Comerica Wealth Management, emphasizes, other tax factors can significantly impact a retiree's financial well-being, especially those relying primarily on Social Security. "If the individuals are relying primarily on Social Security income for retirement, most likely they are going to be below the AGI thresholds of the states that tax Social Security income, except in Montana," she explains. "So, for those individuals, state income taxation of Social Security income should not be a primary factor." Property Taxes: Featherngill recommends paying close attention to how states handle property taxes, especially since these can be a major cost for retirees. "Some states offer a real estate tax deferral program, which reduces the real estate tax payments during lifetime and collects the deferred tax at death," she notes. Property tax rates and senior exemptions also vary widely from state to state, so it's important to do your homework. The Tax Foundation'sProperty Taxes by State and County, 2025 is a helpful resource for comparing rates and policies. Sales Taxes: In states that don't tax income, higher sales taxes are often used to generate revenue. While not mentioning specific rates, Featherngill includes sales tax among the key tax issues retirees should consider. The impact will vary depending on your personal spending habits. For a current comparison, see the Tax Foundation's 2025 State and Local Sales Tax Rates. Retirement Income Taxation: While income from Social Security may not be heavily taxed for many retirees, other forms of retirement income often are. "Approximately 20 states offer reduced tax on retirement income, such as pension income, IRA distributions and retirement plan distributions," says Featherngill. "Some states, like Pennsylvania and Mississippi, do not tax retirement income. Others offer an exclusion/deduction to offset a portion of an individual's retirement taxable income. Some states exempt pensions or government pensions from income tax. Some states qualify the exclusion based on age or AGI. Thus, it requires some research to determine how the state you are considering will tax your type of retirement income." Estate and Inheritance Taxes: Featherngill advises retirees to investigate whether a state imposes inheritance, estate, or gift taxes that differ from federal rules. "And if you're married, it's worth knowing whether both spouses are entitled to retirement income exemptions when filing jointly-rules that differ by state," she says. Additional Considerations: Besides tax-related considerations, Featherngill encourages retirees to assess the overall cost of living, climate, access to healthcare, and quality of life. For his part, Tim Bjur, a senior content management analyst at Wolters Kluwer, has also observed several notable state tax policy trends in recent years: Reducing or eliminating taxes on retirement income and Social Security benefits-or increasing income thresholds before taxes apply-particularly in Northeastern states aiming to discourage retirees from relocating to no-income-tax states like Florida and Texas. Expanding deductions for military retirement income. Reducing or eliminating sales taxes on groceries to counter inflation-related cost pressures. For retirees who rely heavily on Social Security, Bjur says it may make sense to consider relocating to a state with a more favorable tax environment. "They can consider a state that does not tax income – such as Florida or Texas – or one that specifically exempts Social Security benefits," he notes. While Kentucky and Mississippi are not yet among the nine states with no personal income tax, Bjur says they are part of a growing group using revenue-based triggers to gradually lower rates, signaling a broader shift toward potential tax elimination. Kansas, meanwhile, recently enacted a law – overriding the governor's veto – to flatten its income tax into a single 4% rate once certain revenue and budget conditions are met, underscoring ongoing efforts to reduce or eventually phase out the state's income tax. On the question of whether Social Security taxation should be a primary factor in choosing a retirement location, Featherngill had this to say: "If the individuals are relying primarily on Social Security income for retirement, most likely they are going to be below the adjusted gross income thresholds of the states that tax Social Security income, except in Montana," she says. "So, for those individuals, state income taxation of Social Security income should not be a primary factor." In future articles in this series, we'll examine the best states to retire to based on other sources of income as well as net worth. For more retirement-related news and analysis, check out Retirement Daily on TheStreet. Retirement Daily The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Legislation advances for Joshua Schmit Memorial Highway near Willmar, Minnesota
Apr. 17---- A multi-year effort to designate a portion of Minnesota Highway 23 in Willmar in memory of fallen soldier Joshua Schmit, of Willmar, appears to be on the verge of success. The Minnesota House of Representatives on April 10 unanimously approved a standalone bill authored by Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, designating the Sergeant Joshua A. Schmit Memorial Highway on a section of Highway 23 from Willmar to Point Lake north of Willmar. Point Lake near where U.S. Highway 71 and Minnesota Highway 23 split. State Sen. Andrew Lang, R-Olivia, is hopeful that an identical bill that he authored will be on the floor of the Senate within a week or two. Lang said he is optimistic it will receive a vote of concurrence that will move it forward for enactment with a signature from Gov. Tim Walz. Transportation committee chairs are usually not receptive to hearing bills that designate a highway in someone's memory, according to Baker, who has introduced bills for this designation for the last four years. This year's success in the House came after Joshua Schmit's mother, Kim, was able to offer virtual testimony to the committee. Baker said her testimony included some "very tender moments." When you have a soldier lost in battle, and the designation is something the family supports, along with active local legislative support, the pieces needed to turn the bill into law appear to be coming together, Baker said. Army Sgt. Joshua Schmit was killed April 14, 2007, at age 26 outside of Fallujah, Iraq. He was 10 days from returning home after an extended deployment when his Humvee struck an improvised explosive device. Schmit's father, Greg, was in training for deployment to the Middle East at the time. Greg Schmit lost his battle with post-traumatic stress and depression at age 56 on July 21, 2015. Joshua Schmit served both in the Minnesota National Guard and the United States Army. He deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lang was preparing for his own deployment to the Middle East when Joshua Schmit was killed. They were only two years apart when attending Willmar Senior High School, and the two played hockey together. Ron Mackedanz, of Kandiyohi, a Vietnam veteran who has long worked to remember those from the area who have sacrificed their lives for our country, has been promoting the designation in memory of Schmit for about eight years. Mackedanz is now in the process of contacting the leaders of local veterans and service organizations asking for donations toward the costs of erecting signs to designate the route. He needs to raise $4,000 as the cost for the sign project is the local area's responsibility, he explained. Mackedanz said the Willmar area has been very supportive of its veterans and those who have given their lives. The area was able to designate the portion of Highway 23 between New London and Spicer the "Ryane Clark Memorial Highway" in 2015. U.S. Army Pfc. Clark, of New London, was killed at age 22 when his convoy was ambushed in Shekhabad, Afghanistan, on Oct. 4, 2010. Mackedanz said he is hoping that signs to remember Schmit will be located for eastbound traffic leaving Willmar near the Willmar National Guard Armory, and for westbound traffic into Willmar after Highways 71 and 23 join. The location is essentially in the backyard of where Schmit lived on Long Lake, he noted. Lang said the highway designation serves to provide at least some measure of public recognition for the sacrifice made by the soldier as well as his surviving family. "A small gesture tangibly; intangibly it means a lot more," he said. Mackedanz is working with the Blue Star Mothers, which has a nonprofit status, to accept donations for the highway signs project. Contributions can be mailed to: Ron Mackedanz, 9705 37th Ave. S.E., Kandiyohi, MN 56251. Please include the notation "Joshua Schmit Memorial" on checks. Any funds raised over the amount needed will be applied to another project to recognize the service of area veterans, he said.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
40B special election won by DFL, power balance shifts in MN House
The Brief A special election held in Minnesota House District 40B on Tuesday, encompassing parts of both Roseville and Shoreview, will shift the balance of power in the Minnesota House of Representatives. The House was previously made up of 67 GOP members and 66 DFL members after the seat had been following the determination that the previous winner did not meet residency requirements. Tuesday's special election results send the House back to a 67-67 tie, and a 68-vote majority is needed to pass legislation. ROSEVILLE, Minn. (FOX 9) - A special election for District 40B, which covers parts of Roseville and Shoreview, has been won by DFL candidate David Gottfried, and its result now shifts the balance of power in the Minnesota House of Representatives. What we know During Tuesday's special election, Republican candidate Paul Wikstrom was defeated by DFL candidate, David Gottfried, by a 70.15% to 29.75% margin, according to preliminary results provided by the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office. Results will be officially certified later in the month. District 40B is in Ramsey County and covers most of Roseville and Shoreview, and has historically been DFL-won. What they're saying Gottfried released the following statement on his victory: "This victory is for Roseville, Shoreview, and every constituent who hasn't been represented for weeks. I couldn't be more thrilled to be headed to Saint Paul as soon as possible to get to work for this district and Minnesota. "Our team's efforts during the many phases of this campaign have been astounding. I'm so proud of the work of everyone who knocked doors, made phone calls, sent postcards, chipped in a few bucks, and did everything they could to make sure we won tonight. "We never lost sight of what's at stake. The President is sowing chaos that is increasing the price of basic needs like food, energy, and healthcare. It's never been more urgent that we work together in Saint Paul to shield Minnesotans from the chaos, lower the cost of prescription drugs, and make a smart plan to protect our shared futures in Minnesota." In response to the victory, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin released the following statement: "As a proud Minnesotan, I'm honored to congratulate David Gottfried on his crucial special election victory. Minnesota is a shining example of what can happen under Democratic leadership: providing free breakfast and lunch for K-12 students, investing in mental health services, strengthening worker protections, establishing paid family and medical leave, and enshrining protections for reproductive freedom into law." The backstory A judge ruled last December that the initial winner of District 40B, Curtis Johnson, did not meet residency requirements. The ruling came after Wikstrom filed a lawsuit that argued Johnson's primary residence wasn't in the district, and, according to state statute, was in violation of election residency requirements. Minnesota law says that at the time of the general election, a candidate must have lived in the state for one year and lived in the district for six months. The lawsuit said that Johnson signed an apartment lease at Rosedale Estates in Roseville, then registered in May to be in the state primary. While campaigning, Wikstrom encountered a former Roseville city council member who made him aware that his opponent had recently leased a studio apartment in the district. In August, Wikstrom's campaign team then started monitoring when Johnson was coming and going from his Little Canada home to his Roseville apartment. Johnson ultimately decided not to appeal the judge's decision, and resigned from his House seat, leaving the House imbalanced. His decision not to appeal the court's decision broke a 67-67 tie, leaving the GOP with a 67-66 majority earlier in the session until results have been certified. Dig deeper Until the election in 40B could be decided, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle were at a stand-off over how to resume business. After weeks of not showing up to deny a GOP quorum, and stall business from moving forward, GOP and DFL house leaders held back-to-back press conferences in early February following the announcement that a power-sharing agreement had been reached. As part of the agreement, if the House returns to a 67-67 tie after the 40B special election, committees will be co-chaired by both parties, with an equal number of lawmakers on each committee. At that point, a bipartisan vote will be required to advance a bill. Under the agreement, a Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee was also created, and will consist of five GOP members and three DLF members appointed by their party.
