Dear neighbor,
We just wrapped up the fourth week of the 2024 Legislative Session. We’ve had a productive start this year, and we plan to keep the momentum going as we work through the next 10 weeks.
Here’s the latest from the State Capitol:
Constituents at the Capitol
This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with constituents from Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation, the Brain Injury Alliance, the Minnesota Optometric Association, and representatives of the grocery business.
I also had the privilege of participating in a roundtable with Rep. Tom Murphy for Rare Disease Advocacy Day, where we discussed policies aimed at improving patient support and the quality of life for the rare disease community in Minnesota.
I always appreciate meeting with constituents who are advocating for causes they believe in – it’s the best part of my job as a State Representative!
Debt Fairness Act
Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country. That’s why on Monday I presented my bill, the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act, to the Commerce Committee. 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.
I also want to thank Attorney General Keith Ellison and Sen. Liz Boldon for partnering with me on this important legislation. You can track the Debt Fairness Act’s progress, as well as all of my other bills’ progress here.
EMT Training/Paramedic Scholarships Available
DFLers are working to address the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) statewide shortage. One of these initiatives that I supported funds a one-time appropriation of $3 million which will provide up to 600 scholarships of $5,000 each starting Fall 2024 to be awarded by June 30, 2026. If you or anyone you know might be interested in this opportunity to serve the public and give back to the community, you can find eligibility information here.
Tax Season Update
DFLers have been making big moves to help working families, and you’ll feel some of the benefits this year when 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 to which they’re entitled. 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.
Question of the Week
Listening to my constituents is the most important part of my job as state representative! Each week during this legislative session, I’ll pose a question to you to better inform my work.
This week’s question is:
What do you feel are Minnesota’s best assets?
You can send your answers in an email to rep.liz.reyer@house.mn.gov with the subject line “Question of the Week.” I’m looking forward to reading your responses and learning from your experiences.
Stay in Touch
As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or feedback you’d like to share. You can contact me by email at rep.liz.reyer@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-4128. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Liz Reyer
State Representative