Legislative Update – February 21, 2024
Dear neighbors,
I am excited to be back at the Capitol for the 2024 Legislative Session! I want to thank you once again for the opportunity to represent our communities in Saint Paul. I am proud of all that we accomplished in 2023 and ready to get back to work to lower the cost of living, deliver economic security for working families, and ensure everyone has the tools they need to thrive.
This session, I will continue to serve as Chair of the Legacy Finance Committee, which uses dedicated funds raised by the lottery on projects related to the outdoors, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and culture. I also serve on the Ways and Means, Rules and Legislative Administration, and Capital Investment committees.
Local Jobs and Projects Bill
DFLers are committed to investing in vital infrastructure through a robust, statewide local jobs and projects package. As a member of the Capital Investment Committee, I will be a part of the committee that crafts that package.
This past fall, I was part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers who took to the road to visit 83 communities and examine over 200 projects. I was proud to host the committee in North St. Paul to hear about important infrastructure projects like the highway grade separation at Hwy 36 and Hwy 120 (Century Ave).
By fixing our roads and bridges, empowering innovation at our colleges and universities, protecting access to safe drinking water, ensuring first responders have the tools to answer the call during emergencies and more, we can keep Minnesota on the path to long-term success.
File for the Child Tax Credit
Nearly 300,000 Minnesota households are eligible for the nation-leading Child Tax Credit the DFL passed last year! 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.
Minnesota families: If you qualify, file your taxes to make sure you claim the benefits available to you. More information, including qualification criteria, is available here: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/child-tax-credit.
Insulin Prices Capped
Democrats are dedicated to reducing the cost of health care and protecting against price-gouging. Earlier this month, Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a landmark settlement with the Eli Lily insulin company that caps insulin at just $35 for the next 5 years.
Drug companies raised the price of insulin by over 1,100% between 1990 and 2020, and this settlement ensures that Minnesotans can afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect.
You can learn more about the settlement and how to get insulin for just $35 a month here: https://www.ag.state.mn.us/MNinsulin35/.
Keep in Touch!
If you have any questions, ideas, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to email me at rep.leon.lillie@house.mn.gov or give me a call at (651) 296-1188.
Sincerely,
Leon Lillie
State Representative