Legislative Update from Rep. Kari Rehrauer

Friends and neighbors,  

The Minnesota House has officially returned to a 67-67 tie! Representative David Gottfried of Roseville has been officially sworn in, restoring what voters intended in November.   

I’m so thankful that the period of uncertainty under Republican rule in the House has come to an end. Over the past few months, Democrats have successfully stopped bad-faith bills in their tracks. Now, we’ll be able to block those bills in the early stages before they make it to the House Floor.   

It is my hope that moving forward, we will have an easier time sending truly bipartisan legislation to the House Floor. We are tasked with crafting a state budget that is balanced and beneficial to all Minnesotans, and since so much time was wasted on failing, hyper-partisan bills under Republican rule, we don’t have much time left to do it, but I am hopeful that both sides can come together and pass a thoughtful budget bill by the deadline.  

Join me for a Town Hall Tonight!

Join Rep. Matt Norris and I for a legislative town hall tonight, April 1st (no fooling!) at the Mary Ann Young Center in Blaine. We’ll be discussing the legislative session so far and the impacts it has had on our community.   

You can RSVP and submit topics for discussion or questions here. This is a non-partisan event and all are welcome! 

My Bills

Last week, I had three bill hearings for legislation I authored. HF1299 would help address the lack of shelter for unhoused people in our communities. Currently the dispersal of emergency shelters is not even. There is a much higher capacity in Minneapolis in St. Paul and these two cities are often taking in folks from surrounding cities and counties. Access to housing is a right. This bill would allow emergency shelters in commercial, industrial, and multifamily zoning districts. This would also ensure that people who are experiencing homelessness are able to stay closer to the community they reside in as they seek work or resources to help get them on their feet.  

HF1824 would utilize CarePortal to connect children and families in crisis with community organizations, nonprofits, churches, and individuals through care-sharing technology. We know that when families struggle—whether due to financial hardship, housing instability, or unexpected emergencies—too often, they don’t know where to turn. As a teacher I have seen this first-hand. But we also know that our communities are filled with people and organizations ready to help. The challenge is making that connection quickly and effectively. This bill would help solve that problem.  

Finally, HF2309 makes some technical changes to housing statutes and programs under the purview of the Minnesota Housing Finance Authority and is part of my work on the Housing Committee.  

On the House Floor

Last month, we passed  legislation expanding housing protections for service dogs in training. Existing laws prevent discrimination against fully trained assistance dogs, but volunteers who train these animals often face obstacles due to housing restrictions. Homeowners' associations and landlords may prohibit pets or place breed restrictions, effectively excluding these essential volunteers. The bill ensures that individuals training service dogs under the supervision of an accredited program are granted reasonable accommodations! I was proud to vote yes for this important bill so that folks with service animals don’t have extra obstacles to accommodation. 

Child Tax Credit and Renter’s Credit

Tax Season is in full swing, and there are two key credits to keep in mind as you file this year, both of which were fought for by the DFL last biennium - the Child Tax Credit and recent changes to the Renter’s Credit.  

Minnesota renters eligible for a property tax refund will now claim their Renter’s Credit on their Minnesota Individual Income Tax return. The Renter’s Credit will be part of their income tax refund amount, and can be applied to the amount owed on their income tax return, or to other debts referred to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.  

Having the Renter’s Credit on the state income tax form will simplify filing for the around 300,000 renters who claim a property tax refund each year. Renters will no longer have to file a separate return and wait until August or September to get their refund. You can learn more about the Renter’s Credit on the Department of Revenue website.    

To check your eligibility and learn more about Minnesota’s Child Tax Credit, please check out the Minnesota Department of Revenue's website. This is a good resource to have handy when you file your taxes, and remember: if you are eligible for the child tax credit, you must file for it; it is not automatic. Don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you need help or have questions. 

Adopt me!

To help combat the chaos in the news and from the White House, I want to take a moment for positivity each week. The Coon Rapids Humane Society is right here in our district and does great work to ensure animals in need find loving homes, provide affordable care for pets in our community, and initiate animal education.  

Meet Luci, a 5-year-old Husky/German Shepherd mix! Luci is a very active good boy and would do best in an active home. He might take some time warming up to new furry siblings, but will make best friends in time. Stop by the Coon Rapids Humane Society to meet him! 

p.s. - Xena from my last newsletter has found her fur-ever home! 

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 by email at rep.kari.rehrauer@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-1729. You can contact my Legislative Assistant, Chloe, at 651-296-5486 or via email at chloe.keller@house.mn.gov.     

It is an honor and a privilege to represent you at the Capitol.??      

All my best,??      

Rep. Kari Rehrauer