Minnesota Tax Rebate ChecksThis fall, many Minnesota taxpayers will receive rebate checks from our budget surplus. These rebates will help put much needed cash back into the pockets of Minnesotans who need it most. For taxpayers who made $75,000 or less for the 2021 tax year, families will receive up to $1,300. Qualifying families don’t need to do anything to receive their rebate – the rebate will automatically be deposited or mailed this fall. For more information, head to the MN Department of Revenue website. Celebrating the Office of New AmericansThis session, my legislation to permanently establish the Office of New Americans was signed into law. Formerly a temporary office, its mission is to provide coordinated support to integrate new immigrant and refugee residents of Minnesota into our communities and our workforce. Last week, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) hosted an event at Global Midtown Market to celebrate the office and its continued work for our community as the increase in funding and resources went into effect. The Office can now provide more coordinated and effective outreach to these communities moving forward. As an immigration attorney, I see the benefits of this office every day and am thrilled it will be able to continue and expand its vital work.  In the NewsOne of my major legislative priorities this session was justice reform, especially juvenile and immigration justice reform. Thanks to my legislation being signed into law, Minnesota has joined 27 other states who do not sentence minors to life in prison without parole. Bolts Magazine wrote a fantastic piece on our legislation, alongside legislation in New Mexico and Illinois, that passed this measure this year. The Minnesota Reformer wrote a piece on my Restorative Justice bill, which was also signed into law this year. I worked closely with a diverse array of community members and stakeholders to craft a smart and effective bill to reduce recidivism and set our kids on the right path toward a bright future. They also covered my bill to limit misdemeanor incarceration to 364 days, a one-day change with massive ramifications for immigrants in the criminal justice system. By making this change, we eliminated an avenue federal prosecutors could use to charge an immigrant with an aggravated felony and raise the risk of deportation. You can also read this great overview by the Council of State Governments of the transformative bill I chief authored with Sen. Judy Seeberger to address historic underinvestment in community supervision in Minnesota. These reforms/investments will support a more effective, cost-effective, just system. State Fair Seeking Vietnam Era VeteransThe Minnesota National Guard is seeking Vietnam Veterans to participate in a march during the State Fair’s Military Appreciation Day on Tuesday, August 29. To learn more about the event in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of Vietnam Veterans leaving Vietnam and how to register, click here. In September, I will be participating in an event hosted by the National Association of Veterans’ Research and Education Foundations (NAVREF), discussing the impact of the Veterans Restorative Justice Act, which I chief authored in 2021. This session, I authored legislation enhancing its effectiveness. It is inspiring to see the real-world impact of this legislation as it directs resources and support to struggling Veterans who come into contact with our criminal legal system due to a service-related trauma or injury. Thank you to all Minnesota Veterans, and to the Vietnam Veterans interested in participating in this march later this month on the State Fair’s Military Appreciation Day. |