Legislative Update from Rep. Hodan Hassan

Neighbors,   

I hope you’re enjoying spring’s entrance, and with it, more daylight in our evenings! I’m looking forward to spending some much needed time outside with my family in this warm spring weather. 

Here's the latest from the Capitol. 

Fire at Camp Nenookaasi

Earlier this month, an encampment of unhoused Minnesotans here in South Minneapolis, known as Camp Nenookaasi, was destroyed when a fire began around noon and quickly spread across the camp. The camp, located on the 1100 block of East 28th Street near Abbott Northwestern Hospital, has been repeatedly cleared by the city without adequate housing plans for its inhabitants.    

While I’m incredibly thankful for the quick response by first responders and am glad nobody was seriously injured, this fire devastated dozens of lives, destroying what little belongings and resources the residents of the camp had. Last month, the city of Minneapolis cleared out this encampment yet again, citing concerns of safety for the camp’s residents. If the city was truly worried about their safety, they wouldn’t be kicking people out with nowhere to go. I call on the city of Minneapolis to find a solution that doesn’t involve imposing more suffering on our unhoused neighbors. 

The Promise Act

Last session, I fought to pass the Promise Act in the Minnesota House, investing millions into our community’s small businesses. This grant and low-interest loan program is highly accessible to small businesses in South Minneapolis. $27 million in grants for businesses along Lake Street and parts of South Minneapolis will be awarded through local partners. The program also allocates around $30 million in low-interest loans to be awarded over the next two years across eligible areas of the state.  

Learn more and get ready for applications to open at https://mnpromiseact.org. 

Debt Fairness Act

Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country. That’s why DFLers have introduced the 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. 

Tax Season Update

DFLers have been making big moves to help working families, and you’ll feel some of the benefits this year as 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 they’re entitled to. 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

There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon this session, so be sure to follow my Facebook page and Instagram page for timely updates.   

Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback with me throughout the legislative session. You can reach me by email at rep.hodan.hassan@house.mn.gov. You can contact my Legislative Assistant, Elijah, at 651-296-1761 or via email at elijah.henderson@house.mn.gov.  

I am incredibly honored to get to work for you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting me with this honor.  

In solidarity,   

Rep. Hodan Hassan