Legislative Update: February 20, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

We’re back! We started this year’s legislative session on February 12th, and it is thrilling to be back in the Capitol with colleagues, constituents and advocates. The first days of session have a “back to school” feeling, and I’m eager to get to work on behalf of our district and our state. This year, I will continue to serve on the Agriculture, Education, Workforce Development, and Transportation Committees.

Capital Investment Priorities

The second year of the biennium is focused on passing legislation related to policy rather than funding, and on capital investment priorities. I have authored a number of proposals related to capital investment needs in our district. Through capital investment we have the opportunity to build housing, community centers, arts complexes and more.

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to tour a capital investment project site I am particularly excited about. The “Sky Without Limits” apartment buildings are an initiative of Inquilinxs Unidxs por Justicia (United Renters for Justice) and they provide democratically run, highly affordable housing for 69 families in the city of Minneapolis. The story of how these families have taken over ownership of the buildings is inspiring and has received national attention. I am happy to author a bill that would invest in site improvements, infrastructure, and landscaping for these housing developments in the Corcoran neighborhood. 

Traffic Safety Camera Legislation

This year, I have authored a bill allowing municipalities to implement speed safety cameras on high-traffic, high-accident streets. I believe speed safety cameras are an important measure to consider related to traffic safety. Speed safety cameras can be an effective tool to protect vulnerable populations in many areas, including in school zones and work zones. The cameras have been shown to reduce crashes and injuries. 

Creating a strong policy for traffic safety cameras requires balancing competing priorities- namely that we have seen an increase in traffic injuries and deaths in recent years, particularly after COVID, and that these cameras bring up a number of concerns related to equity and civil liberties. We have worked to address these concerns in the bill through a number of measures- limiting the number of cameras cities can implement, keeping the fines for violations low, and ensuring that the cameras are only capturing license plates. The bill will receive its first hearing in the transportation committee later this month, and I look forward to continuing conversation on how we keep our streets safe.

There have been numerous recent reports on this issue you can read here from the Star Tribune, Axios, and MPR.

File for the Child Tax Credit 

Nearly 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. https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/child-tax-credit

You’re Invited to a Town Hall!

You're invited to a town hall! Please join Rep. Greenman, Sen. Mohamed, and I for a discussion on Saturday, March 9th from 2:00 to 3:30 at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. We hope to see you there!

The AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant Program

Last year, I authored a bill to fund the AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant Program. This program funds urban youth agricultural education and urban agriculture community development and is now taking grant applications. For-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools or school districts serving preschool or K-12 students, local government entities, and Native American tribal communities are all encouraged to apply. 

Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024. You may apply using the online application system.

Electric Vehicle Rebate

Last session, DFLers 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. Applications are now live, and you can find more information at https://mn.gov/evrebates.

2024 Precinct Caucuses 

The 2024 precinct caucuses are scheduled to be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. They will take place at locations set by the parties. You can find your caucus location at the Caucus Finder tool.

You can find more information on the Secretary of State’s website.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.samantha.sencer-mura@house.mn.gov or 651-297-7087. You can also follow my Facebook page. 

In community,

Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura

Minnesota House of Representatives