2014 MN legislative session begins today

(St. Paul, MN - Minnesota News Network ) -- The 2014 legislative session begins at noon today at the Minnesota Capitol and one of the early pushes will be to repeal several "business to business" taxes that the legislature enacted just last year. Those include a warehousing tax, a telecommunications equipment tax and a labor tax on farm equipment repair.

Governor Dayton has indicated he'd like the taxes repealed. A key House committee this afternoon (1230pm) is hearing over a dozen different proposals at one of the first hearings of the 2014 session.

Lawmakers are fast-tracking additional funding for low income heating assistance because of the current propane crisis. Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk says Governor Dayton already used his executive authority to expand eligibility, but any additional money for the program must be appropriated by the legislature. Grand Rapids Senator Tom Saxhaug is carrying a measure, and Bakk says it "likely will be the first bill to land on the governor's desk." The House may vote on the bill today.