Dear neighbor,
Another week of the 2024 legislative session is in the books. We’ve had a productive start to the year, and we plan to keep the momentum going as we work to build economic opportunities for families and communities.
Here’s the latest from the State Capitol:
Committee Hearings
This week, in the Health Finance and Policy Committee, I was proud to support Rep. Michael Howard’s bill to repeal the sunset on the Long-Term Safety Net Insulin program. Everyone should be able to afford the drugs they need to live. DFLers are committed to reducing the cost of health care and protecting against price-gouging, and this bill will further ensure that Minnesotans can afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect.
You can view my full remarks from committee here.
Community Coffee Hour
As a reminder, this Saturday, March 9 at 9:00am at Dunn Bros Coffee in Apple Valley (15265 Galaxie Ave) I will be hosting my third Community Coffee Hour of the year. This event is an opportunity for you to share any thoughts or concerns you have about issues you care about. I hope to see you there.
Debt Fairness Act
Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country– that’s why DFLers have introduced the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act. Too many people are saddled with unmanageable debt, and our current laws have been insufficient at addressing this dilemma. Medical debt depletes peoples’ rainy-day funds, causes them to incur credit card debt, and to forgo medical treatment altogether. The Debt Fairness Act aims to unburden Minnesotans from medical debt, and help working and middle class families make ends meet.
EMT Training/Paramedic Scholarships Available
DFLers are working to address the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) statewide shortage. One of these initiatives, that I supported, funds a one-time appropriation of $3 million for up to 600 scholarships of $5,000 starting Fall 2024 to be awarded by June 30, 2026. If you or anyone you know might be interested in this opportunity to serve the public and give back to the community, you can find eligibility information here.
Tax Season Update
DFLers have been making big moves to help working families, and you’ll feel some of the benefits this year when 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 for which they’re entitled. 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 this 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.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to contact me anytime you have questions, need assistance, or have input to share at rep.robert.bierman@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5506. I always appreciate hearing from you. You’re also welcome to follow me on my official Facebook page for more updates.
Thank you for the honor of representing our Apple Valley neighbors at the State Capitol.
Sincerely,
Robert Bierman
State Representative