Friends and neighbors,
As March comes to a close, things at the legislature are shifting gears. This week, we began hearing committee budget bills, meaning we’re in the final stretch before we pass some of the great legislation we've heard in committee and make strong investments in the future of our state. I sat on five committees this session, so I’ve had the privilege of being a part of a lot of great legislation. It has been an incredible honor to get to work for our community and our state.
Things will be moving quickly over the next few weeks, so be sure to follow my Facebook page to stay up to date!
Renter’s Credit Update
You may recall from earlier in the session that I authored a legislation to convert the Minnesota renter’s credit into a refundable income tax credit, so eligible taxpayers can automatically receive the credit with their tax return, rather than as a separate payment months later. The bill would also expand eligibility, allowing more than 150,000 Minnesotans who currently don’t qualify to benefit.
I’m proud to say that this bill is going to be included in the Property Tax Division budget bill, which we are expecting to pass in the coming weeks.
Right now, when Minnesotans file for their renter’s credit, they don’t receive payment until late summer. By converting this credit into a refundable income tax credit, we’ll make tax season a little brighter for Minnesotans by sending the credit to them alongside the rest of their refund.
Crafting the State budget
There are several other pieces of legislation being included in various budget bills that I authored. In the Children and Families budget bill, my legislation for early learning scholarships is included, as is my legislation to invest in developmental screening.
In the Economic Development budget bill, my bill to provide funding for the World’s Fair Expo 2027 host organization is included.
I’m also excited about the Children and Families budget bill, which has a lot of great legislation to invest in child care and early learning, homelessness solutions and prevention, family economic assistance, education, and much more. I can’t wait to get this important work done for Minnesotans.
Protecting Reproductive Rights for Everyone
Last week, the Minnesota House voted to pass legislation to protect reproductive freedom for Minnesotans and people across the country coming to Minnesota in need of access to the full range of reproductive health care options. Once law, the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act will guarantee out-of-state subpoenas and court orders for records related to reproductive care cannot be weaponized for prosecution where such care is considered a crime.
Earlier this session, we established a fundamental right to make autonomous decisions on reproductive care. However, many other states are passing or operating under laws that make it difficult or impossible to access reproductive healthcare, including every one of our bordering states. These laws can include criminal penalties for providers and patients, as well as restrictions on the types of care that can be provided. Because of this, we’re making sure that Minnesota laws have explicit protections for both health professionals and patients. We will not allow other states to persecute people for simply seeking or providing reproductive healthcare.
Making Minnesota a Trans Refuge State
Last week after a long night on the Floor, we voted to pass legislation with similar protections for our trans neighbors. With the passage of the Trans Refuge bill, we made Minnesota an island of refuge for the trans community, who continue to face obscene levels of discrimination across the country. With our neighbors from the East, West, and South also threatening the lives and well-being of our trans neighbors, Minnesota will remain a safe place for those seeking gender-affirming care without fear of criminal penalty in states that have stripped these human rights.
Stay Connected
To stay up to date with our important work at the State Capitol, you can see the Minnesota House of Public Information Services’ nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication.
You can also stay up-to-date with the latest by following my Facebook page.
To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.nathan.coulter@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4218, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe.
Thank you, as always, for the honor of serving you.
Rep. Nathan Coulter