Legislative Update – May 7, 2024
Dear Neighbors,
The House has been meeting daily on the House Floor to pass our supplemental budget and policy bills before our May 20 adjournment date. I am proud of the bills we are putting forward to invest in our environment, public schools, workers, families, and more. Today was Classic Car Day and Street Rod Day and I was glad to take some time off the floor to visit!
Today the Minnesota Senate passed their version of the 2024 Environment and Natural Resources budget and policy bill, authored by Senator Foung Hawj. Now that the bill has passed the Senate, we will convene a “conference committee” to resolve the differences between the two versions before final passage and signature from the Governor.
2024 Supplemental Tax Bill
Last week the House passed our 2024 Tax Bill, which builds off the historic package of tax cuts Democrats delivered last year to continue improving economic security for working and middle-class Minnesotans. I am proud to report that the bill includes my legislation reducing property taxes in South St. Paul. You can watch the original hearing in the Property Tax Division here.
The 2024 House Tax Bill contains a robust set of policy changes and local tax provisions, expands the Child Tax Credit to cover 18-year-olds, and begins implementing a direct online tax filing system that will be simple, easy, and free.
House Floor Votes
Recently, the House has passed a bipartisan Elections bill that includes provisions to increase local government funding to support election administration and infrastructure and improve clarity on local election investments. We also passed a bipartisan Jobs budget bill that invests in all corners of Minnesota through employment and training programs to help workers succeed in today’s economy.
On Monday night we passed a State and Local Government bill and a Human Services bill expanding access to the care needed by Minnesotans with substance use disorders and further supporting disability services.
Slow Mow Summer
You’ve probably heard of “No Mow May” and may have even participated in making your lawn more pollinator-friendly! While it’s a catchy slogan, researchers from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab have modified the popular campaign due to additional research on best practices for pollinators and lawn health.
“Slow Mow Summer” takes the sentiment of “No Mow May” and expands it to the entire growing season! Because guess what? Bees need food AFTER May, too. Many bee species do not even emerge from hibernation until June or July, when self-heal, ground plum, lanceleaf tickweed, or calico American aster may be blooming in your lawn.
Mowing after lawn flowers bloom instead of before is the main goal of “Slow Mow Summer.” You can learn more about how best to help native pollinators, like Rusty Patched Bumblebee, survive and thrive here!
Stay in Touch!
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback throughout the year. You can reach me by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-6828. You can contact my Legislative Assistant Sam O'Neill at 651-296-3305 or via email at Samuel.ONeill@house.mn.gov.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative