Legislative Update - April 5, 2024

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Dear Neighbors, 

We’re back from a brief legislative break, and in the second half of the legislative session we’ve started the process of passing our committee policy bills off the House floor. Like our budget bills last year, these policy bills will follow a similar route. The House and Senate will pass their own individual proposals, and while our ultimate goals are often aligned with our DFL colleagues in the Senate, it’s usually expected that these policy bills will have some differences, and a conference committee made up of House and Senate members will have to meet to craft a compromise bill that will then be sent to Governor Walz to be signed into law.

Yesterday, we passed several House policy packages after debating them on the House floor, with these bills covering Higher Education, Transportation, Early Education, and Veterans and Military Affairs.

We’ve got more policy bills coming up next week, and I look forward to sharing those with you as we move them along the legislative process. 

Funding Habitats Across Minnesota

This week, the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) issued its annual Call for Funding Request from the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Approximately $150 million will be available for both metro and statewide grants to aid Minnesota habitat restoration, protection and enhancement.

This is a great opportunity for investment in the habitats that exist in our own community! 

Requests are due to the LSOHC on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 4 p.m., with funds for approved programs signed into law during the 2025 legislative session being available on Monday, July 1, 2025.

Since the Outdoor Heritage Fund’s creation in 2008, $1.6 billion in on-the-ground habitat programs have been allocated by the Minnesota Legislature and over 1.4 million acres of Minnesota forests, prairies and wetlands have been restored, protected or enhanced. The latest set of funding recommendations totaling $180 million is currently before the Minnesota Legislature.

Proposal requirements and terms of funding are outlined in the Call for Funding Request. To view details or learn more, visit: www.lsohc.mn.gov. For answers to specific questions, contact LSOHC Staff: www.lsohc.mn.gov/staff. If you have a potential project proposal but are unsure, LSOHC are there to help! 

Tax Day is April 15 

Last year, we made big moves to help working families, and you’ll feel some of the benefits this year as you file your 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. 

Stay Connected

As we start the process of passing bills off the House floor, please continue to reach out with any questions, comments, or ideas you might have. Also, let me know if you’re planning to stop by the Capitol in the coming weeks! One of the best parts of this job is meeting with constituents and talking about how we can improve our community and state. Recently, I was excited to welcome the Sojourner Truth Academy Urban Debate Team!

You can reach me at rep.fue.lee@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4262. I always look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely, 

Fue Lee

State Representative