Neighbors, I hope you’re enjoying spring’s entrance, and with it, more daylight in our evenings! I’m looking forward to spending some much needed time outside with my family this weekend. Don’t forget to change your clocks this weekend and spring ahead for daylight savings time.  The Dog and Cat Transparency Bill On Wednesday, Senator Bonnie Westlin and I held a press conference to introduce the Dog and Cat Data Transparency Bill. This bill would make breeder and shelter reports public, so families and pet-parents-to-be can verify things like the number of animals, the health of the animals, and facility conditions before they put down a large deposit on a puppy or kitten they haven’t met yet and make a significant financial and emotional investment in a new pet. This legislation would make data on findings about large-scale commercial cat and dog breeders public and would require state inspection data for licensed dog and cat breeders to be posted online. Minnesotans deserve to know the truth about where their new member of the family is coming from. By increasing transparency, facilities following proper procedures will be unaffected, while bad actors will be held accountable. The End-of-Life Options ActYesterday, the End-of-Life Options Act received its second hearing, this time in the Public Safety Committee. I was thankful for a productive conversation about the aspects of the bill that are relevant to public safety. The bill will head to the Judiciary Committee next. I’ll keep you updated as the bill advances. Michael Gau Memorial BridgeThis week, the House passed legislation to memorialize Michael Gau, a Minnesota Department of Transportation worker who was killed in a highway work zone incident in 2023. The legislation designates the Rockford Road bridge over U.S. Highway 169 in Plymouth to be renamed “Michael Gau Memorial Bridge.” Many folks in Golden Valley, Plymouth, and Robbinsdale use the newly named bridge daily, and I’m glad its new name will honor a worthy and beloved public servant. The Minnesota Voting Rights ActOn Wednesday, the Elections Committee, which I chair, heard Vice Chair Emma Greenman’s Minnesota Voting Rights Act. This bill incorporates many definitions into Minnesota statutory law from the federal Voting Rights Act and federal case law. In doing so, this bill will allow citizens to file lawsuits for violations such as voter suppression and vote dilution. This is a great bill that will improve fairness in our elections. Tax Season UpdateDFLers 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. This was our very first action on the floor this year because it will affect nearly all Minnesotans as we prepare to file taxes. This bill 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.  If you’re a renter, don't forget to claim your property tax refund! This is the first year renters will be able to receive their Renter’s Credit with their tax filing rather than later in the year. Along with making it simpler and more convenient, we also expanded the credit to many Minnesotans who didn’t qualify previously. I also want to remind you that nearly 300,000 Minnesota households are eligible for the nation-leading Child Tax Credit! 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. Adopt Me! Meet Autumn, a two year old husky at the Golden Valley Animal Humane Society. She needs a home that can help with her behavior and continue to work with her on learning good manners. Humane Society staff members say quieter, low-activity home would give her the opportunity to get used to new things at her own pace. To meet Autumn, visit the Golden Valley Humane Society! Keep in TouchYou can always contact me at rep.mike.freiberg@house.mn with any questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Mike Freiberg State Representative |