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Dear Neighbors,   

Our DFL team is tackling a full docket of legislation, focused on building a strong foundation for our communities. Building on the successes of 2023, we remain committed to prioritizing quality education, accessible healthcare, and a secure job market. These investments will foster a thriving environment for families and grow the middle class.   

We are halfway through the 2024 Legislative Session, and the House is now focused on passing policy bill packages in major areas, as well as putting together small supplemental budgets to continue our work improving the lives of Minnesotans. 

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*Legislative E-Waste Tour* 

Last week, I hit the ground running on my E-Waste legislative tour, visiting facilities in Plymouth and St. Paul. These incredible teams were kind enough to give us a glimpse into their crucial work. Their dedication is a powerful reminder of why we need a comprehensive e-waste collection system for Minnesota. 

This Friday, I'm thrilled to be in St. Cloud for a collaborative visit to the Integrated Recycling Technologies facility. I'm eager to meet the staff, tour their impressive facility, and discuss how we can work together to advance responsible e-waste collection.  

Here are a few articles you can read to learn more about the Plymouth visit.  


* Star Tribune [ [link removed] ] 
* CCX News [ [link removed] ] 
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*Copper Wire Bill* 

I held a press conference with State Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, West Saint Paul Mayor Dave Napier, St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry, and other city and state stakeholders to speak on HF 4461 [ [link removed] ], a comprehensive solution to copper wire theft that has darkened city streets and parks in dozens of cities and towns across Minnesota. 

I presented my bill in the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee which passed and was referred to the Ways and Means Committee. We all have a responsibility to take action and prevent further harm. This proposed legislation presents a crucial step in that direction, and I strongly support its swift passage. 

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*Bill Passage off House Floor* 

Last week my colleagues and I passed several bills off the Minnesota House including:   


* House Higher Education policy bill, HF 4024 [ [link removed] ], is a focused effort to build off the historic investments included in the 2023 Higher Education Budget, like the North Star Promise which provides free college to qualifying students. 
* HF 3436 [ [link removed] ], the House Transportation policy bill builds off of last year’s historic budget that capitalized on state and federal funds to deliver a generational investment in transportation statewide. We also passed HF 3071, [ [link removed] ] which will ensure that drivers’ tests in Minnesota will be in plain English – a very helpful simplification for new drivers. 
* HF 4176 [ [link removed] ], the House Early Education Policy bill streamlines existing programs for young learners and ensures greater access to early education for students and families in St. Paul. 
* HF 3454 [ [link removed] ], the Military Affairs Policy bill, and HF 4334 [ [link removed] ], the Veterans Affairs Policy bill. The Military Affairs bill includes referral bonuses for the National Guard, adjustments to help the National Guard investigate and prosecute crime, and language to broaden the definition of trespassing on National Guard facilities. 

By strengthening transportation options, educational resources for families, and support systems for our veterans, we're laying the groundwork for a thriving state. Affordable and reliable transportation helps parents get their kids to school activities and parents to work opportunities. Accessible and quality education provides children with the tools they need to succeed and be ready to contribute to vibrant communities. These bills continue to make Minnesota a place where families and veterans can thrive. 

*Here are the most recent bill packages the House passed: * 


* HF 3631 [ [link removed] ], a package of modifications and extensions for previously authorized Capital Investment projects. The legislation mostly relates to the two Capital Investment bills signed into law last year [ [link removed] ].  
* The 2024 Elections Policy Bill [ [link removed] ] focuses on improved voter access and election transparency. It targets policy areas where the state can improve voter turnout and ensure that if voting is restricted, voters have a means of redress. Additionally, it enhances disclosure requirements for those seeking to influence elections, expands voter access and comprehension, and increases election transparency. 
* HF 3614 [ [link removed] ], the Public Safety Policy bill, continues House Democrats’ comprehensive approach to public safety and crime prevention with support for victims, criminal justice reform, policy modernization, and more. 

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*Tax Reminders*

Property Tax Refund: 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.  

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Child Tax Credit: 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.  

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Renter's Credit: I encourage you to explore this program and see if it can offer you valuable tax relief. The Renters’ Credit refunds a portion of the property taxes that renters have paid through their rents. The credit is particularly targeted to the state’s lowest-income households; over 60 percent of households receiving the credit have incomes of $40,000 or less. The maximum household income to qualify for the Renters’ Credit for the 2021 tax year was $64,920. By providing property tax refunds to qualifying homeowners and renters, the state of Minnesota helps bring down one of the costs of housing and creates a more equitable tax system. Learn more on the Department of Revenue website.   

Visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue website for more information.  [ [link removed] ]






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*Keep in Touch* 

Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call or email any time at [email protected] or 651-296-4224. You can also follow my official Facebook page [ [link removed] ].  

In community, 

Rep. Athena Hollins 

Minnesota House of Representatives 

*Legislative Assistant:* 

Emma Erdahl  

[email protected] 








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