The End of Life Options ActLast month, the House Health Finance and Policy Committee held a hearing on HF1930, my bill to establish end-of-life options for terminally ill adults. The bill, known as the End-of-Life Options Act, is modeled after an Oregon law which allows legal adults who are diagnosed with a terminal illness and determined to be of sound mind to be prescribed life-ending medication, usually to be taken at home. I'm overwhelmingly convinced that passing this bill is the right thing to do. This will be the 10th year this bill has been introduced, so we’ve had a lot of time to work on it and get the language right. Patients who meet the requirements for this type of care deserve to be able to die at home in the company of loved ones, and on their own terms. If patients choose, they deserve the comfort of knowing they have the option to go when it becomes unbearable without government interference. You can watch my interview with CCX on the bill here. Resolution on Citizens UnitedIn 2010, Citizens United v. FEC tipped the scales of election finance, ruling that corporations and other outside groups can spend unlimited money on elections. Since then, we’ve seen displays year after year of wealthy donors having an unfair influence over the outcome of elections. Last week, the House Elections committee heard a memorial resolution authored by Rep. Athena Hollins that requests, on behalf of the Minnesota state legislature, that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to the states for ratification. The proposed amendment, if adopted, would clarify that organizations do not have different rights than those of its members. It also says that federal, state, and local levels of government must enact laws limiting or prohibiting campaign contributions and expenditures, and specifies that political contributions and expenditures be publicly disclosed. Voters should decide elections – not wealthy donors. Precinct Caucuses and Presidential PrimaryOn Tuesday, February 27 at 7 p.m., you’ll have the opportunity to participate in our democracy by attending your precinct caucuses. The events – held every two years by Minnesota’s political parties – select volunteers to organize local activities, discuss issues to be included in the party platforms, and choose delegates to represent the precinct at future conventions. More information, including meeting locations for your precinct, is available from the Minnesota Secretary of State. Minnesota’s Presidential Primary is also coming up on Tuesday, March 5 for our major political parties, and early voting is already open. Learn more, including your polling location, from the Secretary of State’s website. File for the Child Tax CreditNearly 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. 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. Minnesota families: If you qualify, file your taxes to make sure you claim the benefits available to you. https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/child-tax-credit Adopt me!If you’re looking for a new furry friend, consider supporting the Animal Humane Society of Golden Valley. This fall, we visited the facilities as part of the bonding tour as the St. Paul location seeks investment to improve their facilities. This week, I’d like you to meet Apricot. She’s a 4-year-old shorthair who has some special medical needs to keep her healthy as she battles a respiratory infection. She was rescued from unsanitary conditions and did not receive proper socialization, so a home with moderate activity is recommended. The AHS describes her as affectionate and enjoys a good snuggle. Stop by the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley to meet her!  |