Friends and neighbors, The 2024 legislative session is officially here! While we get to work for you, I want to make sure I get to hear from you along the way, so I want to extend an invitation to my next community conversation on Wednesday, March 27th at Atonement Lutheran Church. I hope to see you there! You can RSVP on Facebook now. RSVP is encouraged, but not required. This is a non-partisan event, and all residents of District 51B are welcome. RSVP  Renter’s tax creditIf 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, thanks to a bill I was proud to author last session. Along with making it simpler and more convenient, we also expanded the credit to many Minnesotans who didn’t qualify previously. File for the Child Tax CreditNearly 300,000 Minnesota households are eligible for the nation-leading Child Tax Credit the DFL passed last year! 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.  Precinct Caucuses and Presidential PrimaryOn Tuesday, February 27 at 7 p.m., you’ll have the opportunity to participate in our democracy by attending your precinct caucuses. The events – held every two years by Minnesota’s political parties – select volunteers to organize local activities, discuss issues to be included in the party platforms, and choose delegates to represent the precinct at future conventions. More information, including meeting locations for your precinct, is available from the Minnesota Secretary of State. Minnesota’s Presidential Primary is also coming up on Tuesday, March 5 for our major political parties, and early voting is already open. Learn more, including your polling location, from the Secretary of State’s website. Insulin Prices CappedDemocrats are dedicated to reducing the cost of health care and protecting against price-gouging. Earlier this month, Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a landmark settlement with the Eli Lily insulin company that caps insulin at just $35 for the next 5 years. Drug companies raised the price of insulin by over 1,100% between 1990 and 2020, and this settlement ensures that Minnesotans can afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect.  You can learn more about the settlement and how to get insulin for just $35 a month here. |