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Hello from the State Capitol,
Minnesota’s religious organizations are one step away from once again having the right to hire employees who meet their mission and values, thanks to Republican insistence that this religious freedom be restored.
On May 7, the legislature approved a plan amending the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) to re-establish protections for religious entities against discrimination claims. The move was necessary after a law passed by Democrats last year interfered with the First Amendment to the Constitution which guarantees freedom of religion.
I was pleased to support the legislation. As Americans, we have the right to speak freely, the right to bear arms, and the right to worship as we wish. Over the past year, the majority party has come out against all three of these constitutional rights in some fashion. I’m just pleased we were able to help convince them that in this instance the First Amendment is more important than political viewpoints.
Before last year, when gender identity was included within the MHRA definition of sexual orientation, the still-existing religious exemption for sexual orientation covered gender identity claims as well. When a new, separate definition of gender identity was created by Democrats last year, there was no corresponding religious exemption added. Without change, religious organizations and faith-based schools were at risk of facing claims of gender identity discrimination.
If Governor Walz signs the bill into law, that religious exemption will be re-established.
DISABLED VETERAN PROPERTY TAX EXCLUSION LANGUAGE APPROVED
In a show of bipartisanship, the House unanimously approved a provision this week increases the valuation amount that disabled veterans and surviving spouses can have excluded from their property taxes.
The property valuation for disabled veterans with a 100% disability would increase from $300,000 to $400,000, and for disabled veterans with a 70% disability it would increase from $150,000 to $200,000.
With the dramatic increase in the value of homes in recent years, Minnesota needs to help ensure veterans and their surviving spouses can remain in their homes.
THE END IS NEAR
Only 10 days remain in the 2024 legislative session. I will continue to keep you updated if conclusion is reached on any major bills, and will provide my end of session thoughts as well following the May 20 adjournment.
To all of our moms, Happy Mother’s Day! Enjoy your weekend! And to all of our anglers, fish well and stay safe on the water this weekend!
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