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Dear Neighbor,
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I hope you were able to enjoy the warm weather this weekend. Here?s a short update as we start week 4 of the Legislative Session.
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Memorial for Burnsville first responders
Last Wednesday, I joined Minnesotans from across the state in attending the public memorial for the Burnsville police officers and firefighter/paramedic who were killed on February 18. My heart breaks for the families of Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge, and Adam Finseth and the entire law enforcement and first responder community. This horrific tragedy reminds us all of the courage of first responders ? they put their lives on the line to go into dangerous situations to help people and keep them safe. It?s a very special kind of person who chooses to make that commitment, and we are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice.
February economic forecast
On Thursday, Minnesota Management and Budget released the February Budget and Economic Forecast. The new budget forecast shows that Democratic leadership has Minnesota on the right path. Our economy continues to outpace expectations and our financial future is stable ? there are projected surpluses in the current and next forecast period. The budget Democrats enacted during the historically-productive 2023 Legislative Session has laid the groundwork for long-term prosperity, a growing middle class, and a future where every Minnesotan has the opportunity to succeed and build a better life.?
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While our economy remains strong and corporate profits are still soaring, we know there are Minnesotans who aren?t doing as well, struggling with an economy that feels tilted against them. We will continue to prioritize cutting costs for Minnesotans in child care, housing, and health care, and we will continue to support workers because that?s the best way to build an economy that works better for everyone.
New tax savings available
In last year?s Tax Bill, Democrats worked hard to deliver reforms that will benefit families, seniors, and working class Minnesotans. Here are some of the new changes Minnesotans can take advantage of this tax season.
 Child Tax Credit
Democrats passed the nation's leading Child Tax Credit, to save up to $1,750 for each dependent. Democrats are cutting child poverty by one third with this rebate. 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. More information can be found here.
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Property Tax Refund
Lawmakers simplified 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 https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-refund.
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Social Security Income Exemption
House DFLers are prioritizing seniors and our most vulnerable Minnesotans by eliminating the tax on Social Security income for those earning less than $100,000 annually (married/joint) or $78,000 (single/head of household) providing an average tax cut of $732. More information can be found here.
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K-12 Credit and Subtraction
If you're buying school supplies for your children, you may qualify for one or both of the K-12 Education Subtraction, and the K-12 Education Credit. The 2023 Tax Bill increased the maximum credit from $1,000 to $1,500 per child. More info can be found here.
As always, please contact me anytime with your input. You can reach me at 651-296-4280 or [email protected]. You can also keep up with what?s happening at the Capitol by liking my legislative Facebook page. Thank you.
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Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman
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