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Dear Neighbors,

Happy First Week of session to all who celebrate - and if you’re receiving this email, hopefully you do! After the incredible 2023 legislative session, I will be focused on policy changes to improve livelihoods and cut costs for middle-income and working class Minnesotans, as well as additional investments in childcare affordability. 

My Great Start Affordability Scholarships program will receive a hearing in the Children and Families Policy and Finance committee next Thursday, 2/22. Another top priority this session is a bipartisan bonding bill, or a statewide funding bill for localized infrastructure projects. I’ll keep you in the loop as they develop!

The Capitol always looks beautiful with fresh snow! Here’s the view from my office in the State Office Building.

New Laws

After a historic session in 2023, many new laws went into effect on July 1st and August 1st, 2023, and January 1st 2024. The nonpartisan office of House Public Information has a summary of the new laws here:

• July 1st
• August 1st
• January 1st

Child Tax Credit

One of the proposals I championed last year was a nation-leading Child Tax Credit. Now, many Minnesota families will be able to save up to $1,750 for each dependent. I’m proud to say this program is projected to cut childhood poverty in Minnesota by ONE THIRD! 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.

Crime Down Across MN, New Gun Laws

New data shows that crime has dropped across Minnesota in every major category. As we move past a pandemic era spike, I will continue to support policy changes and funding that improve public safety, like last year when I voted for record funding aimed at ensuring the safety of Minnesotans.

As a mom and a legislator, I’m thrilled to share that the legislature finally took action on gun violence prevention. Two new laws will implement improved criminal background checks and extreme risk protection orders to ensure that guns stay out of the hands of those who would cause harm. This session, I am co-authoring a safe storage proposal to lessen accidental gun deaths, especially knowing that gun deaths are now the number one cause of death to kids in the United States.

Legislative Survey

I’ve been able to meet or correspond with many of you individually over the last year. Another helpful tool to share your priorities is my legislative survey. If you haven’t had a chance to take the survey, you can do so here. We will be accepting responses until April 1!

EV Rebates

Last session we 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. The application process went live last week and you can find more information at https://mn.gov/evrebates.

Constituent Corner

Thanks to those who made the trip to meet with me at the Capitol this week! We chatted about infertility and the importance of insurance coverage.

Keep in Touch