Dear neighbor,
We’re now four weeks into the 2024 legislative session! We’ve had a productive start to the year, and are focused on creating opportunities for working families to achieve economic security and for communities to thrive.
Here’s the latest from the State Capitol:
Committee Hearings
I again had a number of bill hearings this week. My week began with a hearing for HF 4158 in the Human Services Finance Committee. This bill would extend the timeline for income reviews under the Medical Assistance for Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) program from every six months to every 12 months, and would give people 30 days to get their paperwork in, instead of 10 days. It’s a simple bill that would have a meaningful effect for the people applying for assistance, and the public servants who process it.
On Tuesday, the Children and Families Committee heard my bill HF 1661. This is a vitally important bill that would fund grants to help kinship caregivers connect with community resources such as financial and legal assistance, housing and health care to ensure better outcomes for children. Kinship caregivers are a vital and growing response within our child welfare system, and we must invest in our kinship caregivers to improve outcomes for children and families.
In the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee, I presented my bill HF 3889. Amino acid-based formula is necessary for infants with severe milk allergies to live. While there is currently an agreement with the six major health insurance plans that they will cover amino acid-based formula, because it is not in statute, it is very hard to get it covered for families who are dealing with their most difficult times. My bill works to change that.
Debt Fairness Act
Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country– that’s why DFLers have introduced the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act. Too many people are saddled with unmanageable debt, and our current laws have been insufficient at addressing this dilemma. Medical debt depletes peoples’ rainy-day funds, causes them to incur credit card debt, and to forgo medical treatment altogether. The Debt Fairness Act aims to unburden Minnesotans from medical debt, and help working and middle class families make ends meet.
EMT Training/Paramedic Scholarships Available
DFLers are working to address the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) statewide shortage. One of these initiatives that I supported funds a one-time appropriation of $3 million will provide up to 600 scholarships of $5,000 each starting Fall 2024 to be awarded by June 30, 2026. If you or anyone you know might be interested in this opportunity to serve the public and give back to the community, you can find eligibility information here.
Tax Season Update
DFLers have been making big moves to help working families, and you’ll feel some of the benefits this year as you file your 2023 taxes. During the first week of the 2024 legislative session, the House passed a technical corrections bill for the 2023 Tax Bill. This was our very first action on the floor this year because it will affect nearly all Minnesotans as we prepare to file taxes. This bill ensures all Minnesotans receive the return they’re entitled to. The biggest change from last year’s bill was updating how we account for inflation, and the adjustment will save Minnesotans around $300 million dollars as they file 2023 taxes.
If you’re a renter, don't forget to claim your property tax refund! This is the first year renters will be able to receive this credit with their tax filing rather than later in the year. Along with making it simpler and more convenient, we also expanded the credit to many Minnesotans who didn’t qualify previously.
I also want to remind you that nearly 300,000 Minnesota households are eligible for the nation-leading Child Tax Credit! 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.
Stay Connected with the Legislature
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