Improving Worker and Public Safety on our RailroadsThis week in Transportation Committee, we heard a series of bills to improve both public and worker safety. In 2023, train derailments were up 13.5% in Minnesota. It’s obvious that we are not on the right track. Four bills, authored by Rep. Jeff Brand, were heard in the transportation committee on Tuesday, and they address issues like train length, incident reporting, improving working conditions, and implementing wayside detectors, which could help spot issues before a derailment or other emergency. Many trains regularly transport dangerous substances that could contaminate our environment in the event of an accident, so these bills will also help reduce the risk of environmental harm. We’re looking forward to working with colleagues across the aisle on these bipartisan issues so we can kick this issue in the caboose. You can watch the hearing here. Budget Forecast & the Labor CommitteeEarlier this month, state budget officials released a new economic forecast showing Minnesota’s economy is growing and our long-term budget outlook is stable. We are also in a strong position to weather unforeseen challenges down the road. Now, we are awaiting the Governor’s announcement of the supplemental budget. This will advise what bills we take up this year in the Labor Committee. I’ll continue to keep you updated on the progress of this as it unfolds. Tax Season UpdateDFLers have been making big moves to help working families, and you’ll feel some of the benefits this year as you file your 2023 taxes. During the first week of the 2024 legislative session, the House passed a technical corrections bill for the 2023 Tax Bill. This was our very first action on the floor this year because it will affect nearly all Minnesotans as we prepare to file taxes. This bill ensures all Minnesotans receive the return for which they’re entitled. The biggest change from last year’s bill was updating how we account for inflation, and the adjustment will save Minnesotans around $300 million dollars as they file 2023 taxes.  If you’re a renter, don't forget to claim your property tax refund! This is the first year renters will be able to receive this credit with their tax filing rather than later in the year. Along with making it simpler and more convenient, we also expanded the credit to many Minnesotans who didn’t qualify previously. I also want to remind you that nearly 300,000 Minnesota households are eligible for the nation-leading Child Tax Credit! With our Child Tax Credit, families will save up to $1,750 for each dependent. Democrats are cutting child poverty by one-third with this rebate. You can claim the tax credit by filing a 2023 income tax return. The $1,750 credit is for each child 17 years old and younger, with no limit on the number of children. For all tax filers, this credit begins to phase out at an income level of $35,000 and fully phases out at a maximum of $90,750 for a family with four children. If you qualify, file your taxes to make sure to claim the benefits available to you. To file for the Renter’s Credit, make sure you have your Certificate of Rent Paid from your landlord, which they were required to provide by January 31st. If you have not received this from your landlord and are having trouble obtaining it, feel free to reach out to my office and I’d be happy to assist. Ramadan KareemHappy Ramadan! To our neighbors in Minnesota celebrating this holy month, may Allah guide you and your family always and fill your life with prosperity and happiness.  Debt Fairness ActMedical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country. That’s why DFLers have introduced the Debt Fairness Act. Too many people are saddled with unmanageable debt, and our current laws have been insufficient at addressing this dilemma. Medical debt depletes peoples’ rainy-day funds and causes them to incur credit card debt, and to forgo medical treatment altogether. The Debt Fairness Act aims to unburden Minnesotans from medical debt and help working and middle-class families make ends meet.  |