Neighbors, Happy New Year! Sen. Nick Frentz, Rep. Jeff Brand, and I wanted to start the new year on the right foot by hearing from you, our constituents. Last week, we held our first Town Hall of the year and I thank everyone who showed up on a frigid January night. I appreciate the thoughtful questions and interest in the work we do on your behalf at the Capitol. A plus was holding the town hall in Eagle Lake City Hall and thank you to Mayor Lisa Norton and City Administrator Jennifer Bromeland for facilitating the meeting.  Health & Human Services Policy HearingThis morning, I chaired the House Human Services Policy Committee. We heard from Department of Human Services personnel and community human services providers regarding the Minnesota Health Care Programs Fee for Service Outpatient Services Rates Study. Currently, rates the state pays to community providers are not sufficient and many are relocating out of Minesota. This was an informational hearing, and we will be exploring the issue and solutions once the session convenes.  Mankato YWCA Welcomes Governor Walz and Local LegislatorsRecently, I joined Governor Walz on his visit to the Mankato YWCA. We received a warm welcome from “Y” staff who highlighted their accomplishments, spoke about their mission and vision for the future of the organization. I also joined the governor and Rep. Jeff Brand for a tour of the Blue Earth County Justice Center. The county is seeking funding for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Lab, which is also one of the governor’s top priorities this session. I am a strong supporter of this project, which is badly needed, and I will be advocating for the project to be included in the 2024 bonding bill.  Cold Weather RuleThe freezing temperatures finally moderated this week, but we have many cold weeks left, and I wanted to include a quick reminder about Minnesota’s “cold weather rule” now in effect, which protects residents from having their electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. To ensure your service is safe from disconnection, you must make and keep a payment plan agreed to by your utility provider. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website.  Child Tax CreditThe Minnesota Department of Revenue will open the state Individual Income Tax filing season on Monday, January 29, 2024, matching the opening day for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The filing deadline to submit 2023 Minnesota income tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2024, matching the filing deadline for 2024 federal income tax returns. Beginning with tax year 2023, you may qualify for a Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. This is a refundable credit, meaning you can receive a refund even if you do not owe tax. You must file a 2023 individual income tax return to claim the credit. Learn more about income requirements and qualifications on the Child Tax Credit webpage. You can learn more here. Radon TestingRadon is the leading cause of lung cancer in those who have never smoked. The Minnesota Department of Health and others are encouraging homeowners and renters to test their homes for radon during National Radon Action Month. You can read more here, including where to purchase a low-cost test. Stay connected with the LegislatureDuring the legislative interim, you can continue to visit the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here. The 2024 legislative session convenes at noon on February 12. I look forward to seeing you in the community over the next few months and I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn.gov or call me at (651) 296-3248. Also, please visit and “like” my Facebook page for more Capitol and community updates. Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature. Sincerely, Luke Frederick State Representative |