Dear neighbors,
The 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session started today! The 2023 session was the most productive in generations, and my House DFL colleagues and I are excited to build upon our work to strengthen economic stability for working families, grow the middle class, and create more opportunities for all Minnesotans to build a better life.
I recently had the opportunity to preview the upcoming session on the public TV show Capitol Report. You can watch the interview on YouTube here.
One Year Ago: 100% by 2024 Becomes Law; EV Rebates Now Available
One year ago, Governor Tim Walz signed transformative legislation into law to establish new clean energy goals putting Minnesota on the path to 100% carbon-free energy by 2040. I had the honor to be the lead author of this bill to continue Minnesota’s tradition of clean energy leadership as we take bold action to combat the climate crisis.
While we celebrate the progress we made a year ago, the important work of implementing actions to achieve this goal is ongoing. One such initiative is Minnesota’s new Electric Vehicle Rebate Program which is now officially went live. Transportation accounts for about 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions and this tool will help get more cleaner, greener vehicles on the road.
Applications for rebates – up to $2,500 – will be processed on a first come first served basis. Details are available from the Department of Commerce here.
Path to a Public Option
Too many Minnesotans still don’t have access to affordable health coverage. Working families across the state are stuck with the difficult choice between expensive insurance plans they often can’t use or going without health insurance.
One idea I’ve advocated is an expansion of MinnesotaCare to everyone through a public option, giving Minnesotans the opportunity to take advantage of affordable premiums and a wide network of providers. Recently, a report – authorized by legislation I authored in 2023 – was released regarding a potential public health insurance option. Minnesota Democrats are committed to charting a path forward to expand affordable coverage so tens of thousands more Minnesotans can have the quality, affordable, accessible health care they deserve. There is certainly more work to be done, but this new report puts us on a path to a credible public option and we have our sleeves rolled up to do this important work.
Child Tax Credit
Beginning with tax year 2023, the Minnesota Child Tax Credit will offer up to $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. With this nation-leading credit, Democrats are cutting child poverty by one-third. This is a refundable credit, meaning taxpayers can receive a refund even if they do not owe any taxes otherwise – but you must file to receive it. In all, nearly 300,000 Minnesotans are eligible for this credit lawmakers enacted last year.
More information about this valuable credit is available from the Minnesota Department of Revenue. There are also more than 170 free tax preparation sites across the state for low-income Minnesotans and seniors.
With the legislative session having arrived, please take a few moments to take the Minnesota Values Project Survey to offer your outlook on our state, as well as an opportunity to share a bit about your hopes, aspirations, challenges, and the priorities you’d like to see lawmakers emphasize. Also, please keep in touch with your questions, comments, and ideas. You can contact me by email at rep.jamie.long@house.mn.gov; by phone at 651-296-5375; and by postal mail at 459 State Office Building, Saint Paul, MN 55155.
It’s an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Rep. Jamie Long
Majority Leader, Minnesota House of Representatives