Neighbors, Happy New Year. I wish you a happy and healthy 2024! Our frigid temperatures of last week have moderated, but we have a few weeks of winter remaining. I want to remind you about Minnesota’s “cold weather rule” now in effect, which protects residents from having their electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. To ensure your service is safe from disconnection, you must make and keep a payment plan agreed to by your utility provider. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website.  Child Tax CreditThe Minnesota Department of Revenue will open the state Individual Income Tax filing season on Monday, January 29, 2024, matching the opening day for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The filing deadline to submit 2023 Minnesota income tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2024, matching the filing deadline for 2024 federal income tax returns. Beginning with tax year 2023, you may qualify for a Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. This is a refundable credit, meaning you can receive a refund even if you do not owe tax. You must file a 2023 individual income tax return to claim the credit. Learn more about income requirements and qualifications on the Child Tax Credit webpage. You can learn more here. In The CommunityI recently spent an afternoon at Overland Elementary and it was a wonderful day! I am very appreciative of all the school staff and teachers and everything they do to care for and educate our kids.  Our family has been deeply involved in child welfare personally for years. In December, we finalized adoptions of three of our children from foster care. As a legislator, I am committed to working with our communities to improve the system. Last week, the child protection task force held a hearing and this Star Tribune article summarized the ideas being discussed, including several suggestions I have to improve the system.  Radon TestingRadon is the leading cause of lung cancer in those who have never smoked. The Minnesota Department of Health and others are encouraging homeowners and renters to test their homes for radon during National Radon Action Month. You can read more here, including where to purchase a low-cost test. Stay Connected with the LegislatureDuring the legislative interim, 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 find my information on my House website. You can also like my Facebook page, and follow me on Twitter. It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Kim Hicks State Representative |