Since November, I’ve been meeting with our local government partners about their priorities and drafting bills to ensure that next year’s budget doesn’t leave our communities behind. In the upcoming 2025-26 legislative biennium, I will serve on the Capital Investment and Environment and Natural Resources committees and will be the DFL Chair of the Agriculture Committee.
I’m glad to continue serving on the Capital Investment Committee where I will advocate for local projects that improve our public spaces and infrastructure. I will also continue to author and support legislation that protects our environment against threats like neonicotinoid pesticides, PFAS forever chemicals, and invasive species.
I also wanted to take a moment to highlight a new local business in our community. D&G Jamaican Restaurant recently opened in South St. Paul. Located at 1025 Southview Blvd, and I hope you get a chance to check out soon!
Last week, the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) had our final meeting of 2024. At our meeting, the Commission approved our draft LCCMR recommendations bill for consideration by the full Legislature next year.
We also adopted a strategic plan to help guide the LCCMR’s work through 2031, adopted language for our Requests for Proposal for 2026, and set the calendar for 2025 meetings. You can watch the meeting recording here, or read the complete press release here.
This plan is a revitalized vision for how the Environment and Natural Resource Trust Fund (ENRTF) can help resolve our environmental challenges and make meaningful opportunities for all Minnesotans to enjoy our natural resources. It provides a firm foundation for the renewed Constitutional commitment of lottery dollars for conservation and the environment. The LCCMR thanks the many Minnesotans across the state who shared their perspectives about the ENRTF and LCCMR through listening sessions, surveys, public comments, and testimony this year. Your work and involvement matter.
Finally, the LCCMR sent a request to the Governor to approve spending $1,267,000 from the LCCMR’s Emerging Issues Account on an effort at the University of Minnesota to enhance surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in Minnesota wildlife. This virus can spread incredibly fast, and I’m glad we can assist in tracking this threat using the emerging issues account.
Starting this upcoming tax filing season, renters eligible for a property tax refund will now claim the new Renter’s Credit on their Minnesota Individual Income Tax return. The Renter’s Credit will be part of their income tax refund amount, be applied to the amount owed on their income tax return or be applied to other debts referred to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Having the Renter’s Credit on the state income tax form will simplify filing for the around 300,000 renters who claim a property tax refund each. Renters will no longer have to file a separate return and wait until August or September to get their refund. Learn more about the new Renter’s Credit on the Department of Revenue website.
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback throughout the year. You can reach me by email at [email protected] or by phone at 651-296-6828. You can contact my Legislative Assistant Sam O'Neill at 651-296-3305 or via email at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative
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