Dear Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our virtual town hall meeting last week. A special shout-out also goes to our Vice President of the St. Paul City Council, Hwa Jeong Kim, for moderating the event with such expertise and grace. It was incredibly valuable to hear your thoughts, concerns, and ideas about natural resources/climate change efforts, gun violence prevention measures, access to affordable childcare, and more.
I apologize that we couldn't answer all your questions. However, know that I value each of them. We're investigating technical issues with registration and Zoom links. We're sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your engagement.
I encourage you to follow up with my office directly so we can ensure your voice is heard. You can reach out by email at rep.athena.hollins@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-4224.
The feedback I receive from you is crucial in shaping my work as your representative. Your participation in these town halls helps me stay informed about the issues that matter most to you and allows me to advocate for your needs.
It’s an honor to represent our community in the Minnesota House.
Electronic Waste/Recycling Bill
I am excited to present my Electronic Waste/Recycling Bill in the Environment Committee next week. Minnesota’s annual electronic waste stream contains $3 billion dollars' worth of precious metals. By recycling e-waste, we can create 1700 direct jobs, and get back on track for supplying metals for the energy transition. I'm committed to working together with local leaders and my colleagues to develop a model for responsible recycling of e-waste.
Read the fact sheet here to learn more.
If you would like to follow the progress of this bill, you can sign up at MyBills Personalized Bill Tracking on the Minnesota State Legislature website.
Great Start Affordability Act
This week, my colleagues announced the Great Start Affordability Act in efforts to support working families with affordable childcare. This bill will address childcare affordability, thereby enhancing workforce development in Minnesota. Investing in childcare affordability is a sound economic and social investment, yielding significant benefits for children, families, and our broader economy.
Minnesota for Homes Initiative
I am proud to support my colleagues, Representatives Larry Kraft and Alicia 'Liish' Kozlowski and the Minnesotans for More Homes Initiative which offers a powerful solution to Minnesota’s racial equity gap in homeownership by increasing the state's "missing middle" housing supply.
I believe every family deserves a safe and stable home. We must provide diverse housing options, by supporting programs that keep families housed and fostering generational homeownership, we can unlock long-term sustainability for our families, communities, and the entire state's economic growth.
Property Tax Refund
With tax season underway, DFLers worked diligently to ensure Minnesota families have access to the tax credits and deductions they've earned, strengthening their financial foundation. We worked to simplify the Property Tax Refund, making sure every renter will receive the refund they deserve, one third of whom are seniors or people with disabilities.
You can qualify for the $204 average refund by visiting www.revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-refund.
Minnesota Dream Act Application
GREAT NEWS!! The Minnesota Dream Act Application, our state's financial aid application for students who have undocumented status, is now open! College-bound students who plan to attend college or career school during the 2024-2025 school year should complete this application.
By applying for the MN Dream Act, eligible undocumented students can receive state-based financial aid, which includes the Minnesota State Grant and North Star Promise Scholarship. Students can also receive in-state resident tuition rates and privately funded financial aid at Minnesota public colleges and universities.
Like the FAFSA, the application must be completed each academic year the student is enrolled in college.
Learn more at www.ohe.state.mn.us/MNDreamAct
Committee Assignments
Serving as the Vice Chair of the Rules and Legislative Administration Committee is more than just an honor—it's a responsibility I carry with profound purpose. I am also excited to return to work on the Property Tax Division, Climate and Energy Finance and Policy, and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee.
Every decision and every policy we craft has the power to shape the lives of Minnesotans, and alongside my dedicated colleagues, we're not just striving, we're actively building a brighter future for families, businesses, and individuals. Our shared vision, relentless efforts, and unwavering commitment are the cornerstones of our success. From affordable childcare to living wages, I'm committed to policies that empower working families in Minnesota. As a parent myself, I understand the challenges working families face. That's why I'm dedicated to finding solutions.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call or email any time at rep.athena.hollins@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4224. You can also follow my official Facebook page.
In community,
Rep. Athena Hollins
Minnesota House of Representatives
Legislative Assistant:
Emma Erdahl
emma.erdahl@house.mn.gov