9/7/2010
Rep. Patrick Garofalo
** PREDICTION - VIKINGS CRUSH SAINTS ON THURSDAY - 31-10 **
- BACK TO SCHOOL! DON'T FORGET THE 'SECRET' TAX BREAK ON K-12 EXPENSES
- HELP OUT A LOCAL SOLDIER WHO WAS WOUNDED IN AFGHANISTAN
- WHILE FAMILIES ARE REDUCING DEBT....GOVERNMENT DOES THE OPPOSITE
THOSE SCHOOL EXPENSES ARE PROBABLY TAX DEDUCTABLE
Many taxpayers don't know it, but Minnesota allows for income tax deductions and credits for many K-12 school related expenses. These expenses can be deducted regardless of whether your child attends public or private schools or if they are home schooled. There is no income limit on the deduction, but there is on the credit. Educational software, travel expenses to/from school, and notebooks/pencils/paper used during the school day are just some of the items that qualify.
Here is a helpful link from the Department of Revenue that explains the program.
HELP OUT A LOCAL HERO
Kyle Malin, a Farmington High School graduate serving our country in Afghanistan, was severely injuried by an IED and lost both his legs in the explosion. A golf benefit is planned at Heritage Links Golf Course in Lakeville on Sept. 18, 2010 with a shotgun start at 11:30 am. Donations of money, silent auction items, and raffle prizes, are appreciated. Hole sponsorships are available and will include dinner and entertainment for two for each business sponsorship. Any questions, please call Byron Olson, (c) 763-300-5825 or (home) 952-469-3075. A noble cause that I hope you can assist with. Here is a link with more info.
WHAT PART OF STOP DIGGING DON'T THESE FOLKS UNDERSTAND?
When I was a young boy my parents taught me a valuable lesson. When you find yourself in a hole....stop digging. Apparently this message has not been delivered to many politicians. Enclosed is a link from CNN on how many states are INCREASING their debt levels at the very same time that families are REDUCING their debt levels. In my opinion, debt does not create jobs or build prosperity. In fact, additional debt makes the economy worse. Most people agree, there is no bigger waste of government spending than interest on all this debt. What do you think? I'm interested to hear your thoughts..... Here is the link to the CNN article.
ABBY'S JOKE OF THE MONTH
Q: Why is Cinderella such a bad soccer player?
A: She always runs away from the ball!
As always, it is an honor serving as your State Representative. Please feel free to contact me regarding any issues that concern you. Thanks!
Rep. Pat Garofalo
District 36B
221 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
(651) 296-1069
1-888-667-3337
