A bipartisan proposal with merit

By Chuck Kajer, Managing Editor

New Prague's representative to the Minnesota House, Laura Brod, announced last week a bill that would create a personal savings plan for aging services.

The bill, patterned after a Nebraska initiative, would allow Minnesotans to open a tax-advantaged savings account and direct dollars for future long-term care and service needs into that account.

The plan is similar to a college savings plan the state currently has. Contributors would be allowed a state income tax deduction, and unused money in the account can be passed along to a designated heir.

Brod has worked with other legislators, including State Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Minneapolis) to develop the plan. That makes this a rare political proposal, a bipartisan plan that is designed to benefit the taxpayers.

The proposal has merit and the Minnesota legislature should give the plan a thorough hearing and strong consideration during the current session. This is the kind of legislative initiative the public wants and needs from its legislature.