Dear Neighbors, The House had another busy week debating legislation, hearing from constituents, and discussing how we can solve thew biggest issues facing our state. In addition to these legislative updates, please make sure to follow me on Facebook to see all the news from St. Paul! Recently, the Office of Minnesota Management and Budget released the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 biennium, projected to end with a $3.7 billion surplus, which is $1.3 billion more than the projections in November of 2023. We are in a strong position to weather unforeseen challenges that may come our way down the road. Our economic outlook is a testament to the strength and resiliency of the people of Minnesota. We owe it to Minnesotans to continue managing our state’s finances in an effective, responsible manner while being responsive to challenges facing people and communities across the state. Here is an update from the capitol.  Protecting the Health of our Kids As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how the tobacco industry has attracted Minnesota kids with tobacco products in fruit, mint and candy flavors. I’m not willing to trade children’s lives and futures for tobacco industry profits, which is why I introduced my bill last week to ban these products. Minnesota is ready to get this bill passed to improve health and stop the cycle of tobacco addiction that causes kids to become lifelong customers, costing us thousands of lives and billions in health care costs every year. The safety and future of Minnesota's youth are non-negotiable, and safeguarding Minnesota's youth takes precedence over Big Tobacco's profits.  Property Tax Refund With tax season underway, 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 can qualify for the $204 average refund by visiting www.revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-refund.  The PACT ActThe PACT Act is a new law expanding VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps the VA provide generations of Veterans and their survivors with the care and benefits they have earned and deserve. You can learn more about the PACT Act and how to file a claim, by clicking here. Protecting Low Income SeniorsLast week, we heard stories from senior citizens living on fixed incomes in subsidized housing about how they are being priced out of their apartments. Currently, landlords base rental increases on the area median income, which is based on working people’s wages. For many senior citizens, income is fixed. That’s why we have introduced legislation to change the formula by which rental increases are calculated for multifamily housing developments that receive a federal low-income house tax credit. In exchange for the tax credit, developers agree to designate a certain percentage of units for low-income tenants. Debt Fairness ActMedical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country. That’s why DFLers have introduced the 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.  Keep in TouchYou can contact me at rep.ethan.cha@house.mn.gov or 651-296-1147. You can follow me on Facebook as well. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our district in the legislature and look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Ethan Cha State Representative |