Legislative Update – March 13, 2024
Dear Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Maplewood Town Hall last week and shared your input and perspective! It was great to give an update from Saint Paul and see new and familiar faces from our community.
Last week, I presented legislation approving bargaining agreements for over 3,500 state employees in the bipartisan Subcommittee on Employee Relations. Our public employees are the backbone of our state agencies, and we need to make sure we are retaining our talent. You can read more here.
Citizens for the Arts Rally
As Chair of the House Legacy Committee, I am so proud of the investments our state makes in our arts and cultural heritage through our lottery proceeds. I was thrilled to join the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts at their rally at the Capitol alongside my Senate counterpart Chair Foung Hawj.
Supporting the arts is critical to so many of the things that make Minnesota great. From supporting educational opportunities for youth to ensuring emerging and diverse artists are celebrated, to preserving our artistic and cultural history, I’m proud of our legacy and will continue to advocate for this cause!
Tax Season Update
DFLers 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 that ensures all Minnesotans receive the return they’re entitled to. 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.
Now that tax season is upon us, I wanted to share some information about various programs you may be eligible for this year, including the Child Tax Credit, Property Tax Refund, Social Security Income Exemption, and the K-12 Credit and Subtraction.
House Approves 101 Environmental Projects
Another great way our lottery proceeds work for Minnesotans is through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Minnesotans take pride in our legacy of environmental stewardship, which is why I was proud to vote in favor of legislation to fund 101 projects that protect our wildlife, water, air, and soil!
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