Dear Neighbors,
I hope you were able to enjoy the final days of summer with your friends and family. Here some info as the weather cools and we head into fall!
Back to School Preparation
Now that school has started here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Many school supply purchases can qualify for K-12 tax benefits in your 2021 Minnesota tax return. Save receipts from these purchases, including distance learning needs, and claim the K-12 Education Credit or Subtraction. You can learn more about these tax returns here. Here are some expenses that qualify for refunds:
- Paper and notebooks
- Pens and pencils
- Nonreligious textbooks
- Rental or purchases of educational equipment, including musical instruments
- Computer hardware (including hotspots, modems, and routers) and educational software (up to $200 for the subtraction and $200 for the credit)
- After-school tutoring and educational summer camps taught by a qualified instructor
9/11 Remembrance
Over the weekend we recognized the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and continued to remember those who lost their lives that day. We also honored those heroes and first responders who risked their lives. Our nation is still profoundly impacted by this event and it’s important that we continue to remember this tragic day in our history.
DVS Planning to Reopen Examination Centers
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division’s (DPS-DVS) has a preliminary plan to reopen all 93 exam stations throughout the state. The Minnesota Legislature set aside dedicated funding in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to DPS-DVS to reopen all driver’s license exam stations; the DPS-DVS set a goal to reopen all 93 exam locations by Jan. 31, 2022.
In May 2020, DPS-DVS consolidated all Minnesota exam stations and their services to 14 locations to increase efficiencies and maintain social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, 26 exam stations are open to serve Minnesotans. DPS-DVS needs to complete the following tasks to accomplish a successful reopening:
- Renew leases or find new space to lease.
- Hire and train enough staff to cover testing at each location currently open. • Hire 34 additional examiner positions.
- Set up an appointment schedule at each location.
Like many employers, DPS-DVS is facing a significant hiring challenge. Available job positions are posted and frequently updated at https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/.
Child Care Tax Credit
The new Child Care Tax credit from President Biden is now live, here is all you need to know in order to qualify for this significant relief. Here is a quick one pager that explains everything you need to know. To learn more or to see if there are resources to aid you, visit this website.
Stay in Touch
Please reach out to my office if you need assistance with anything. I am best reached through email at rep.samantha.vang@house.mn or please contact my legislative assistant Josh, josh.kilgard@house.mn. I always appreciate hearing from you. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page here.
Sincerely,
Rep. Samantha Vang
651-296-3709
rep.samantha.vang@house.mn