Dear Neighbors, I hope this email finds you well and you’re enjoying some of the sunnier days we’ve seen this winter. I’m hoping for more snow- especially to roll out the latest and newly named fleet of Minnesota Department of Transportation snow plows. Over 35,000 Minnesotans participated in what’s become a fun tradition every winter in our state.  Here’s an update from the State Capitol: New Child Tax Credit Minnesota's new child tax credit is now available for working parents this tax filing season. Minnesotans can now claim the Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. The credit phases out if your income is over $29,500 ($35,000 for Married Filing Jointly). You must file a 2023 individual income tax return to claim the credit.  Most taxpayers who are eligible to claim the new Child Tax Credit are also eligible for free tax preparation assistance. Over 170 sites offering free tax preparation assistance are now open to help those filing income tax and property tax refund returns. Sites are staffed by certified volunteers and offer in-person and virtual options with most being open through April 15. You can find income requirements and qualifications on the Child Tax Credit webpage. 2024 SurveyThe legislative session is just around the corner, and I’m excited to build on the progress we made in 2023. As a first term legislator, I’m still learning new names and faces and getting to know more of our neighbors. To that end, I’d greatly appreciate your feedback on what’s working well for you and your family, what makes our community a great place to live, and how we at the legislature can do more to grow the middle class and get results for our residents. Do you have a few moments to take my short 4-question survey? Your input is important to me and guides my work for us. If you would like a paper copy mailed to your home, please email me at rep.mary.frances.clardy@house.mn.gov and our office would be happy to send it to you.  Connected to CommunityI recently had a chance to connect with Leaders from across Dakota County for a Legislative Priorities Breakfast at Dakota Lodge recently. I always appreciate these gatherings so we can put our heads together at the state and county level to do the good work our communities are counting on.  Education AdvocacyI also attended an early morning forum with the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD), State Rep. Rick Hansen, and education advocates fighting hard for strong strategies that enable our metro school districts to improve student learning. While I’m particularly proud of our work to ensure kids are fed and have access to mental wellness care and more literacy resources at school, there’s more we must do to meet students where they are, academically and emotionally.  I also had a chance to participate in a bipartisan legislative forum at St. Michael-Albertville Schools. It was great to join my DFL and GOP colleagues, all of whom have an educator or administration background, to find common ground solutions we can work on so all kids, in every district across the state, can have a quality public education.  EV Tax Rebate UpdatesLast session we passed an Electric Vehicle Rebate Program allowing residents to receive a rebate of up to $2,500 for a new EV purchase and $600 for a used purchase. Electric cars, plug-ins or hybrids purchased or leased on or after May 25, 2023 are eligible. The application process goes live on February 7th, and you can find more information at https://mn.gov/evrebates.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out and contact me anytime at rep.mary.frances.clardy@house.mn.gov or 651-296-3533 with questions, input, or ideas for the 2024 session. You’re welcome to follow my legislative Facebook page for more updates and information relevant to our community. Have a great week! Forward, Mary Frances Clardy
State Representative |