Legislative Update – February 8, 2024
Dear Neighbors,
The 2024 Legislative Session begins next Monday, February 12th. The legislature runs on a two-year cycle, with one budget year and one year focusing more on policy and capital investment. This year we will continue focusing on legislation to improve the lives of working families, supporting critical infrastructure projects, and more.
I will continue to serve on the Capital Investment, Climate and Energy, Health, and Judiciary Finance and Civil Law committees. I am looking forward to continuing our work in those committees to bring down energy and health care costs, support a clean energy future, and improve our judicial system.
Advocating for Plymouth and Maple Grove
I am especially glad to continue my work as a member of the Capital Investment Committee, which will come together this year to pass a package of local jobs and infrastructure projects.
I spent much of last fall touring the state with the committee to see projects firsthand and I will be advocating for local projects in Plymouth and Maple Grove. In December, I sat down with CCX News to discuss the Maple Grove Community Center and the Plymouth Ice Arena, which are both seeking funding from the Capital Investment Committee. You can watch my interview here.
Electric Vehicle Rebate Program
Last session, the Climate and Energy Committee, which I serve on, passed an Electric Vehicle Rebate Program allowing residents to receive a rebate of up to $2,500 for a new EV purchase and $600 for a used purchase. Electric cars, plug-ins or hybrids purchased or leased on or after May 25, 2023, are eligible. Applications went live on February 7th, and you can find more information here.
Pollinator Garden Program
Minnesota residents can now apply for fall 2024 Lawns to Legumes funding. The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources.
Anyone can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitat in their yards. Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you will need to reapply to be considered for fall 2024 funding.
Stay Connected!
Unfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.ned.carroll@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5510, and I will be happy to help.
Warmly,
Ned Carroll,
State Representative