Dear Neighbors, March is Women's History Month! I was happy to kick off this month by visiting a new destination in our district, A Bar of Their Own, the first women’s sports bar in Minnesota. I am excited for this inclusive and family-friendly business to join our district, and was able to honor them with a house proclamation written by myself and Representative Perez-Vega. My visit and the opening weekend for the business was covered by the Star Tribune and can be read about here (and pictured below).  Financial ForecastLast week, the Office of Minnesota Management and Budget released the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 biennium forecast, projected to end with a $3.7 billion surplus, which is $1.3 billion more than the projections in November of 2023. Our economic outlook is a testament to the strength and resiliency of the people of Minnesota and we are in a strong position to weather unforeseen challenges. I believe we owe it to Minnesotans to continue managing our state’s finances in an effective, responsible manner while being responsive to challenges facing people and communities across the state. I look forward to conversations with my colleagues about the best investments we can make this session and will be prioritizing education, childcare, healthcare and more. 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.  Traffic Safety Camera LegislationMy bill allowing municipalities to implement speed safety cameras on high-traffic, high-accident streets has passed the Transportation Committee and is now heading to the Judiciary Committee. 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. There have been numerous recent reports on this issue you can read here from the Star Tribune, Axios, and MPR. You can hear my remarks from committee below.  Minnesota Values Project Survey Almost seven years ago, the Minnesota House DFL started the Minnesota Values Project (also known as MVP) as a partnership between Minnesotans, elected officials and organizations to create a shared vision for the future of our state. Working together, we’ve strengthened our communities by improving education opportunities, making affordable health care a reality, and increasing economic prosperity for all Minnesotans. Through this project, we have facilitated hundreds of meaningful conversations with people across all of Minnesota about their priorities. We’re continuing this work and want to engage with as many Minnesotans as possible. As we continue the 2024 legislative session, I to hear more perspectives and feedback from Minnesotans. As part of this effort, you’re invited to take the new Minnesota Values Project survey. The survey only takes a few minutes, and as we build a shared vision for our state, your input is crucial in this process. I look forward to hearing from you! Reminder: You’re Invited to a Town Hall!You're invited to a town hall! Please join Rep. Greenman, Sen. Mohamed, and me 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! Parking at Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain: - Street parking in East River Parkway and Cecil Street SE
- Surface lot parking behind MIDB Community Center Building
  Minnesota State Arts Board Call for ProposalsThe Minnesota State Arts Board is seeking proposals from individuals or firms that can serve as contracted liaisons with targeted communities. The communities include Minnesotans of African heritage, Minnesotans of Latine heritage, Minnesotans of Asian heritage, Minnesotans of Native American/Indigenous heritage, Minnesotans with disabilities, and Minnesotans who are age 65+. The term of the contracts would be April - December 2024. The Arts Board intends to select up to six liaisons who would be paid an all-inclusive fee for their work. The fee would be up to, but not more than, $20,000 per liaison. Proposals are due March 18, 2024. To request a copy of the Call for Proposals, send an e-mail to Sue.Gens@arts.state.mn.us. Keep in TouchPlease 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 |