Dear Neighbors, In these final weeks of GOP control of the House, instead of working to solve real problems like the soaring costs of housing, health care, and child care, Republicans are wasting no time advancing bills that are harmful to Minnesotans. Several of them have already failed on the House Floor. One sought to take away investigative power from the Attorney General, and another would have halted the Blue Line Light Rail Transit extension in the north metro – an area that none of the bill’s authors represent. Republicans are also attempting to inflict damage through bills restricting reproductive rights, stopping Paid Family and Medical Leave from going into effect before it even starts, taking funding from our schools, putting immigrant communities in danger, rolling back measures that make our elections safer and more accessible, and so much more. Regardless of these roadblocks Republicans are trying to throw in the way of progress for Minnesota, I’m committed to continuing to draft legislation that will actually pass off the House Floor, rather than wasting time on political theatre. I look forward to transitioning into power-sharing later this month so we can get to work on a budget that reflects the values of Minnesotans.  Meeting with our Community Minnesota Farmers Union I’m a member of the Minnesota Farmers Union, and I recently met with some members regarding how Minnesota can best support small farmers. This year, I am a co-author of two bills and the chief author of legislation modifying the definition of agricultural land to expand homesteading to farms less than eleven acres. Farmers were severely hurt by the tariff wars during the last Trump presidency, and now they are facing cuts to important programs they rely on. I will always defend our Minnesota farmers.  Partnering with our County OfficialsI share the anxiety and fear many of you have expressed about what the next four years may bring and how they will impact our community. I am committed to using every lever of power we have at the state level to protect people, the rule of law, our state's progress, and our representative democracy. I had the privilege to meet with Commissioner Rena Moran and Commissioner Tara Jebens-Singh to discuss how we can best serve our communities. Unpredictable decisions at the federal level have made it challenging to execute the direct services our counties provide. In Ramsey County, our commissioners are busy educating legislators on their work, the impact it has on constituents, and how they are planning for the future. From housing to health and human services, our counties provide critical services.  Nurses Day on the Hill!Our nurses do a phenomenal job at ensuring care for our patients and are the cornerstone of quality healthcare. During Nurses Day on the Hill, I had the opportunity to connect with my constituent John and other Minnesota Nurses. I appreciated hearing their legislative priorities and about their new birth equity work group! I learn something new every time we meet.  Supporting Independent Repair Shops The automotive repair industry is more technical than ever and requires greater expertise and time to ensure Minnesotans’ cars are up to pre-collision standards. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to tour a collision repair facility. Last week, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota brought together members from repair and collision shops across the state for a Day at the Capitol. It was wonderful to see so many new people participating! Together, we can improve their ability to serve consumers, keep cars safer, and keep costs lower for everyone.  Community Updates Republicans Target Paid Time to Care for Workers One of the biggest priorities for Minnesota Republicans during their temporary advantage in the Minnesota House of Representatives is to delay, or even outright eliminate, Paid Family & Medical Leave. Democrats at the Capitol passed Paid Leave because no one should have to choose between their job and bonding with a newborn, taking care of a loved one, or taking time to recover from a major illness. Paid Leave is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, but Republicans are looking to take away this crucial benefit from Minnesotans before they can even use it. Instead of helping workers and employers prepare for the new law, Republicans are standing with their corporate allies in attempting to undermine the program. One bill advancing in the House would delay Paid Leave by one year. Worse, another bill from GOP lawmakers would repeal Paid Leave altogether. Here are examples of Minnesotans speaking up in opposition to the Republican plan to delay or dismantle paid time to care, a move that would harm families, small businesses, and our economy. All Minnesotans deserve the economic security that comes with paid time to care, and Democrats are committed to standing with working families in protecting this important new solution for workers and their families. Child Tax Credit and Renter’s CreditAs you prepare to file our income tax return this year, there are two key credits to keep in mind, both of which were fought for by the DFL last biennium - the Child Tax Credit and recent changes to the Renter’s Credit. Minnesota renters eligible for a property tax refund will now claim their Renter’s Credit on their Minnesota Individual Income Tax return and will be part of their income tax refund amount. Having the Renter’s Credit on the state income tax form will simplify filing for the around 300,000 renters who claim a property tax refund each year. Renters will no longer have to file a separate return and wait until August or September to get their refund. You can learn more about the Renter’s Credit on the Department of Revenue website.  You may also be eligible for $1,750 per qualifying child through Minnesota’s Child Tax Credit. To check your eligibility and learn more please check out the Minnesota Department of Revenue's website. This is a good resource to have handy when you file your taxes, and remember: if you are eligible for the child tax credit, you must file for it; it is not automatic. Don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you need help or have questions. Free Tax Preparation Sites With income tax filing season open, the Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR) announced that over 200 sites offering free tax preparation assistance are now open to help those filing state and federal income tax returns. These sites are staffed by certified volunteers and offer in-person and virtual options with most being open through April 15. Those who fit the following criteria can get help at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site if any of the following apply: - You are age 60 or older.
- You are a person with a disability.
- You speak limited or no English.
- Your annual income is less than $67,000.
Visit DOR’s Free Tax Preparation Site webpage to search for free tax prep sites. Search for sites by zip code or county and find sites with interpreters and volunteers certified to file military returns. Anyone can also search for sites by calling 651-297-3724 or 1-800-657-3989 (toll-free). Ensuring Access to Reliable Public TransportationWith costs going up under the Trump economy, now is the time to invest in accessible, affordable transportation, which will create new jobs, reduce disparities, and help cut traffic congestion. That’s why my DFL colleagues and I successfully prevented Republican-led legislation proposed to delay light rail transit capital projects, including the proposed Blue Line from Brooklyn Park to Minneapolis. This is a local project that is community-driven and will be paid for by Hennepin County; no state funds will be used to build the Blue Line Extension. So many Minnesotans rely on public transportation to get to work, buy groceries, or visit friends and family. We’ve experienced the success of the Green Line in giving people another way to get to either downtown, and Minnesotans in the north metro have worked hard for this project to extend the Blue Line. The last thing they need is people from another community pulling the rug from under them. This project not only strengthens our local economy but also ensures that every Minnesotan—regardless of income or background—has the opportunity to thrive and stay connected to their communities. As long as I am in the legislature, we will ensure Minnesotans have more transit options - not fewer. |