House GOP Packages Senior Care Proposals for 2016 Push

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A group of Minnesota House Republicans is staking claim to part of the state's sizable budget surplus for initiatives they say would benefit people near or well into retirement.

The lawmakers mixed past proposals with some new ones Monday to produce an elderly focused legislative package they'll push in the 2016 session.

Elements include a phased-in tax exemption on Social Security income, changes permitting people to access life insurance benefits for long-term care while they're still living and programs encouraging people to pursue certified nursing careers to aid seniors.

GOP Rep. Joe Schomacker of Luverne says it's too soon to provide an overall price tag.

But the Social Security tax cut alone would cost the state about $40 million in the first year and grow as more income is exempt.