Dear Neighbors,
We are halfway through the 2024 Legislative Session, and the House is now focused on passing policy bill packages in major areas, as well as putting together small supplemental budgets to continue our work of improving the lives of Minnesotans.
Gender-Affirming Care
I proudly presented my bill, HF2607, in the House Health Finance and Policy Committee and it laid the bill over for possible inclusion in a larger proposal. The bill requires that health plans cover medically necessary gender affirming care.
Read more on the hearing here.
Bill Packages Passed off the House Floor
In the past few weeks, my colleagues and I passed the following bill packages out of the Minnesota House:
- House Higher Education policy bill, HF 4024, is a focused effort to build off the historic investments included in the 2023 Higher Education Budget, like the North Star Promise which provides free college to qualifying students.
- HF 3436, the House Transportation policy bill builds off of last year’s historic budget that capitalized on state and federal funds to deliver a generational investment in transportation statewide. We also passed HF 3071, which will ensure that drivers’ tests in Minnesota will be in plain English – a very helpful simplification for new drivers.
- HF 4176, the House Early Education Policy bill streamlines existing programs for young learners and ensures greater access to early education for students and families in St. Paul.
- HF 3454, the Military Affairs Policy bill, and HF 4334, the Veterans Affairs Policy bill. The Military Affairs bill includes referral bonuses for the National Guard, adjustments to help the National Guard investigate and prosecute crime, and language to broaden the definition of trespassing on National Guard facilities.
- HF 3631, a package of modifications and extensions for previously authorized Capital Investment projects. The legislation mostly relates to the two Capital Investment bills signed into law last year.
- HF 3614, the Public Safety Policy bill, continues House Democrats’ comprehensive approach to public safety and crime prevention with support for victims, criminal justice reform, policy modernization, and more.
- Our 2024 Elections Policy Bill focuses on improved voter access and election transparency. It targets policy areas where the state can improve voter turnout and ensure that if voting is restricted, voters have a means of redress. Additionally, it enhances disclosure requirements for those seeking to influence elections, expands voter access and comprehension, and increases election transparency.
- A labor policy bill that includes provisions to strengthen the minimum wage, ban shadow non-competes, and increase pay transparency.
Combatting Junk Fees
Last Thursday, I was proud to vote for two bills that protect Minnesotan consumers from deceptive and unfair business practices by ending junk fees and requiring ticket price transparency.
We are all too familiar with buying a ticket to a concert, sports game, or other event and seeing extra “service” and “convenience” fees added that provide no additional value to consumers. Our DFL team is passing legislation to end this harmful practice and require fair, and transparent ticket prices along with other important protections for consumers.
Tax Reminder
Today is Tax Day but there's still time to see if you qualify for the tax breaks that DFLers worked hard to deliver for families, seniors, and working-class Minnesotans. We want to ensure Minnesota families keep more of their hard-earned money, allowing them to invest in their future and contribute more to our local economies. Here are a few benefits you may be qualified for:
Property Tax Refund: 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 may qualify for the $204 average refund.
Renter's Credit: I encourage you to explore this program and see if it can offer you valuable tax savings. The Renters’ Credit refunds a portion of the property taxes that renters have paid through their rents. The credit is particularly targeted to the state’s lowest-income households; over 60 percent of households receiving the credit have incomes of $40,000 or less. The maximum household income to qualify for the Renters’ Credit for the 2021 tax year was $64,920. By providing property tax refunds to qualifying homeowners and renters, the state of Minnesota helps bring down one of the costs of housing and creates a more equitable tax system.
Child Tax Credit: I am proud of our nation-leading Child Tax Credit providing Minnesota families with much-needed relief. 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.
Visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue website for more information on these benefits.
Arab American Heritage Month
This April, as we celebrate Arab American Heritage Month, let's recognize the significant contributions Arab American communities have made to Minnesota. Their rich heritage, achievements, and enduring impact have helped shape our vibrant district and state.
Stay connected
Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call or email any time. You can follow my new Facebook page or contact my office.
It’s an honor to represent our community in the Minnesota House.
Sincerely,
Leigh Finke
State Representative – 66A
Committee Assignments:
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Human Services Policy
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Legacy Finance
Legislative Assistant
Robin Mercer-Taylor
robin.mercer-taylor@house.mn.gov