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The 2024 Legislative Session started this week. It's amazing to be back, to be part of this collective effort to make tangible differences in the lives of all Minnesotans. After the historically productive 2023 Legislative Session, DFLers remain committed to improving people’s lives and building a Minnesota that works better for everyone. In 2024, House DFL lawmakers will continue working side by side with neighbors and community members together – rooted in the values we all share – to lower the cost of living, deliver economic security for working families, and ensure everyone has the tools they need to thrive.
As we navigate the challenges ahead, this shared purpose is what fuels our drive and keeps us motivated. This week has been a powerful reminder of the collective good we achieve when we work together, and I'm excited to see what the rest of the year holds.
Thank you for the great honor of serving our vibrant community.
On the very first day of the 2024 Legislative Session, I was proud to join the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs as they announced their legislative priorities. As a Boricua and descendent of First Nations, working to bring this museum to life is deeply personal. Building Minnesota's first Latino Museum requires the collective commitment and passion of our community. We are coming together, artists, educators, families, and supporters, to weave a tapestry of shared history and pave the way for a brighter future. Let's celebrate our heritage and inspire generations to come, united!
Serving on the Children and Families Finance, Housing Finance and Policy, and Education Finance committees is more than just an honor—it's a responsibility I carry with profound purpose. Every decision and every policy we craft has the power to shape the lives of Minnesotans, and alongside my dedicated colleagues, we're not just striving, we're actively building a brighter future for families, businesses, and individuals. Our shared vision, relentless efforts, and unwavering commitment are the cornerstones of our success. From affordable childcare to living wages, I'm committed to policies that empower working families in Minnesota. As a parent myself, I understand the challenges working families face. That's why I'm dedicated to finding solutions.
This year began with several impactful bills taking effect, bringing positive changes to Minnesotans' lives. Including:
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Stronger tenant protections: New laws strengthen protections for renters, promoting fairer housing practices and stability for Minnesotans.
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Transparency in hiring: Prohibiting past pay disclosure in the hiring process helps combat wage discrimination and promotes fairer hiring practices.
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Free menstrual products: School districts and charter schools must now provide free menstrual products to students, ensuring period equity and removing a barrier to education.
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Earned sick and safe time: Nearly all workers in Minnesota now have the right to accrue paid sick and safe time, offering greater security and flexibility in managing personal needs.
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Pay increases for home care workers
This list just scratches the surface. Last year we made historic movements that will improve the lives of all Minnesotans, like paid family medical leave, providing free school meals for students, codifying reproductive freedom, and providing emergency funding for food shelves across the state.
As a proud member of the Children and Families Finance and Policy committee, I am proud of our nation-leading Child Tax Credit providing Minnesota families with much-needed relief. 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.
Solidarity with Union Janitors
Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at [email protected] or 651-296-9714. You can also follow my official Facebook page.
Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega
Minnesota House of Representatives
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Representative María Isa Pérez-Vega
583 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
Phone: 651-296-9714
Email: [email protected] (replies to this newsletter are not monitored)
Website: www.house.mn.gov/65B
Legislative Assistant: Fardusa Ahmed, 651-296-9676
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