Dear Neighbors,
As the winter chill settles in, I hope you're all staying warm and cozy. While the weather outside may be frightful, the warmth and support within our community is truly inspiring.
There are several community organizations working tirelessly to help our unsheltered neighbors receive the support they need during the cold. Here are a few initiatives happening in our district that you or your loved ones can take advantage of:
- Ramsey County Winter Warm Spaces: Four Winter Warming Spaces in St. Paul are open to anyone in need of a place to warm up overnight. The spaces offer seating, blankets, light snacks and warm beverages. They also provide winter warming supplies such as mittens and hats when available. The Winter Warming Spaces are open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. every night through March 31, 2025.
- Keystone Community Services: You can visit Keystone’s Community Food Center located at 1800 University Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55104. The center is between the Wendy’s and Arby’s on the corner of Fairview and University. No appointment or advanced registration is required.
- Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington County: Everyone deserves affordable, continuous, and safe utility services. If you encounter issues with energy, they can help you with bill payment assistance, home energy crisis intervention, outreach to vulnerable populations, energy advocacy, information about utility consumer rights, and referrals to their Energy Conservation service and other community agencies. Visit their website and apply today!
2025-2026 Committee Assignments
I am deeply honored to announce my committee assignments for the upcoming legislative session. I have been entrusted to serve as:
• Vice Chair of the Legacy Finance Committee
• Member of the Housing Finance and Policy Committee
• Member of the Labor and Workforce Development Committee
These roles reflect my unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing needs of our community and state. As Vice Chair of the Legacy Finance Committee, I will work to preserve and enhance Minnesota’s cultural and natural resources, ensuring future generations can enjoy and benefit from them. In the Housing Finance and Policy Committee, I will focus on tackling one of the most urgent challenges we face—Minnesota’s housing crisis. And through my work on the Labor and Workforce Development Committee, I will advocate for stronger opportunities for workers, fair conditions, and pathways to economic prosperity for all Minnesotans.
It is undeniable Minnesota is facing a severe housing crisis. There is a critical shortage of rental homes affordable and available to households earning at or below 30% of the area median income or living at the poverty guideline. This gap leaves countless families vulnerable to evictions and homelessness, making stable housing an unattainable dream for too many.
Addressing this issue is not just a priority for me—it is a moral imperative. As your representative, I will push for meaningful investments in affordable housing, policies that strengthen tenant protections, and solutions that expand access to safe and stable homes. Every Minnesotan deserves a place to call home, and I am committed to ensuring that housing is no longer a barrier to opportunity but a foundation for success and equity.
Banning Forever Chemicals
During the 2023 and 2024 sessions, we passed legislation to ban harmful forever chemicals known as PFAS from consumer goods in Minnesota, especially in products our kids come into contact with every day. As of January 1, 2025, these laws will go into effect and require new products sold or distributed in 11 categories be made without PFAS. Categories include:
- carpets or rugs, including outdoor carpet and car floor mats
- cleaning products, including detergents and stain removers
- cookware
- cosmetics
- dental floss
- fabric treatments
- juvenile products, including car seats, children’s clothing, and toys for children under 12
- menstruation products, including tampons and disposable and reusable pads
- ski wax
- textile furnishings, including draperies, bedding, and towels
- upholstered furniture
Make sure to refresh vital items like cosmetics and menstrual products after the new year to ensure that you and your family are saying no to PFAS!
New Renter’s Credit Coming in 2025
Starting this upcoming tax filing season, renters eligible for a property tax refund will now claim the new Renter’s Credit on their Minnesota Individual Income Tax return. To claim the Renter’s Credit, renters must file a state income tax return (Form M1). For most renters claiming a property tax refund, this means they will no longer file a separate Property Tax Refund return and will not receive a separate refund later in the year. The Renter’s Credit will be part of their income tax refund amount, be applied to the amount owed on their income tax return or be applied to other debts referred to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
This change does not affect homeowners. Homeowners will continue to use Form M1PR to file a Property Tax Refund return to receive the Homestead Credit Refund. Homeowners may be able to file for free using the Property Tax Refund Online Filing System.
When filing their tax year 2024 taxes in 2025, renters will use the new Schedule M1RENT, Renter’s Credit, along with Schedule M1REF, Refundable Credits, when they file with their individual income tax return to receive the Renter’s Credit. Renters should include their Certificate of Rent Paid document they receive from their property owner or managing agent when filing.
Learn more about the new Renter’s Credit here.
Keep in Touch
I deeply value your partnership in building a better future. Please continue to share your perspectives on the issues that impact our community. Don’t hesitate to reach out anytime with input, or questions, or to let me know how I can be of assistance at rep.samakab.hussein@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5158. Be sure to ‘like’ and follow my new Facebook page.
Thank you for the honor of serving our community.
Sincerely,
Rep. Samakab Hussein
Legislative Assistant
Morgan Durfee
Morgan.Durfee@house.mn.gov | (651) 296-4279