Dear Neighbors, The new year did not start out as I expected, to say the least. On January 18, I went to the hospital after having chest pain. After an examination, doctors determined I had suffered a heart attack, I then underwent surgery. I have been following doctor’s orders and am doing well, while I work toward a full recovery. I am grateful to the health professionals for their quick response and excellent care. I look forward to resuming my normal schedule. Thank you to everyone who reached out during my health scare. My situation is an important reminder for everyone to seek medical attention if something doesn’t seem normal. I am happy to report I am now on the mend! Water Policy Town HallPlease join Rep. Brion Curran, Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger and me for a Water Policy Town Hall tomorrow, February 8, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. We will discuss a water use plan for Gem Lake, working with city and county government partners. The priority is to protect the water and public health in the area, and if this impacts you, I hope you will attend.  Health/Human Services Committee HearingRecently, the House Human Services Policy Committee, which I chair, held an informational hearing regarding the Minnesota Health Care Programs Fee for Service Outpatient Services Rates Study. We heard from Department of Human Services personnel and local care providers about how the current rates the state pays to community providers are not sufficient and, as a result, many are relocating out of Minnesota. We will continue exploring the issue and possible solutions once the session convenes on February 12. Cold Weather RuleThe outside temperatures have warmed quite a bit from our frigid spell recently, but there are a still a few weeks of the winter season remaining and cold weather still ahead. I want to remind you about Minnesota’s “cold weather rule” now in effect, which protects residents from having their electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. To ensure your service is safe from disconnection, you must make and keep a payment plan agreed to by your utility provider. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website.  Child Tax CreditThe Minnesota Department of Revenue opened the state Individual Income Tax filing season last Monday, January 29, matching the opening day for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The filing deadline to submit 2023 Minnesota income tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2024, matching the filing deadline for 2024 federal income tax returns. Beginning with tax year 2023, you may qualify for a Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. This is a refundable credit, meaning you can receive a refund even if you do not owe tax. You must file a 2023 individual income tax return to claim the credit. Learn more about income requirements and qualifications on the Child Tax Credit webpage. You can learn more here. Electric Vehicle Rebate ProgramLast session we passed an Electric Vehicle Rebate Program allowing residents to receive a rebate of up to $2,500 for a new EV purchase and $600 for a used purchase. Electric cars, plug-ins or hybrids purchased or leased on or after May 25, 2023 are eligible. Applications go live today, and you can find more information at https://mn.gov/evrebates.  Radon TestingRadon is the leading cause of lung cancer in those who have never smoked. The Minnesota Department of Health and others are encouraging homeowners and renters to test their homes for radon during National Radon Action Month. You can read more here, including where to purchase a low-cost test. Stay in TouchDuring the legislative interim, you can subscribe to my occasional legislative updates here, and you can also “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page. If you have questions, ideas, or feedback that you would like to share, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can email me at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-5363. Sincerely, Peter Fischer |