Dear neighbors,
I hope you and your family are enjoying summer and are able to take full advantage of it. There is some news from the Capitol and a couple of events upcoming in the community I wanted to bring to your attention.
"Sold Out: Affordable Housing at Risk" screening
Next Thursday, as part of the "Our Homes, Our Voices" week of action, the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless, along with the Homes for All coalition and its Duluth partners will host a screening of the new film "Sold Out: Affordable Housing at Risk." This film reveals the price we all pay when families are pushed out of our communities as modestly priced apartment units are replaced with upscale developments. Following the screening I will be participating in a community conversation – along with folks from the Salvation Army of Duluth, Imagine Duluth and Loaves & Fishes – about local, state and federal housing issues and potential solutions. The event is free to attend. Click here for more information about the "Our Homes, Our Voices" effort.
WHAT: Screening of "Sold Out: Affordable Housing at Risk" and discussion
WHO: Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless and Homes for All
WHEN: Thursday, July 27th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Temple Israel, 1602 E 2nd St, Duluth
A Special Story Time with Rep. Liz Olson
I’m honored to have been invited by the West Duluth Branch Library to read during a special story time on August 1st. After story time, please stick around for a meet-and-greet. Everyone is invited, and I look forward to seeing you and your little ones there.
WHAT: Special Story Time
WHO: Rep. Liz Olson
WHEN: Tuesday, August 1st from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: West Duluth Branch Library, 5830 Grand Ave, Duluth
State Capitol Grand Opening
Following a multiyear restoration, the Minnesota State Capitol reopened to the public earlier this year. Artwork has been restored, much more space is open to the public, and the building’s technology and accessibility has been brought into the 21stcentury. To commemorate this work, a grand opening celebration will be held the weekend of August 11th through the 13th. There will be concerts and other entertainment, panel discussions, tours, a Kid Zone, and much more. For more information and a full schedule of events, click here.
Homestead Credit and Renter’s Refund Deadline
The deadline to file for the Homestead Credit Refund (for homeowners) and the Renter’s Property Tax Refund is coming up on August 15th. The amount of the refund depends on how high your property taxes or rent are relative to your income. Renters need to include a Certificate of Rent Paid from their landlord when filing.
Every year, many Minnesotans miss out on this refund either because they don’t think they are eligible, or simply because they forget to file. For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue online.
Throughout the summer and beyond, I hope you will continue to keep in touch with me. Feel free to call or email me anytime about the issues important to you, or if I can ever be of assistance. ?
Sincerely,
Liz Olson
State Representative – District 7B