Neighbors, I hope 2024 is going well for you – the new year is always an opportunity to reset and review priorities. In that spirit, I am starting the new year by announcing I will not seek reelection in November. It has been my great honor to represent residents of Minnetonka and Eden Prairie since 2017 as a State Representative. I sought to bring people together across the political spectrum to strengthen our schools, protect our air and water, and prevent gun violence, among other initiatives, and I would like to think those efforts met with some success. I am looking forward to the joys of retirement, but I will miss working with community members, staff, and other elected officials to improve our state. I thank all of them for their collaboration and support over the years. Finally, I would like to thank my constituents for the very great privilege of representing you in the Legislature. I will work hard to represent you in my final legislative session, which starts February 12 and runs until the end of May. Town HallThank you to everyone who attended the District 49 Town Hall last week. We discussed the 2023 legislative session accomplishments and previewed the 2024 session. I appreciated the thoughtful audience questions and look forward to engaging with you during session.   Child Tax CreditThe Minnesota Department of Revenue will open the state Individual Income Tax filing season on Monday, January 29, 2024, 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. 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. Cold Weather RuleThe incredibly cold temperatures finally moderated this week, but it is still winter, and I wanted to include a quick reminder 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.  Stay connected with the legislatureDuring the legislative interim, you can still turn to the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services for the latest news. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook here. It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Laurie Pryor State Representative |