 Dear Neighbors,
I hope you can attend the next Community Coffee Hour I'm hosting this Saturday, February 22 at 9:30 a.m. at the Galaxie Library. It's been a flurry of activity during these recent weeks in St. Paul and I'm looking forward to providing an update and hearing your thoughts.
 It feels like winter has really dug its heels in lately. From frosty mornings to evenings that bite, we've definitely been bundling up. Along with the frigid temperatures can come expensive heating bills; has yours seemed higher than normal?
An initiative the state legislature strengthened in 2021 may help lower costs. With an ever changing real estate market, many new homeowners needing basic home improvements (repairing windows, removing asbestos, repairing cracked foundations or siding) often face challenges paying upfront for these pre-weatherization measures.
If you’re using CenterPoint or Xcel Energy, you can schedule an appointment with the Home Energy Squad to visit your home to identify low cost energy-saving solutions. Each visit is approximately two to three hours, and during that time, the Home Energy Squad will perform various energy-saving tests, inspect your insulation, heating and cooling systems, and water heater. The cost for visits varies based on your income, so you can expect to pay as little as nothing up to $100. There is also an option to receive text messages or emails directly from the Home Energy Squad if a cancellation occurs and they can move the visit up earlier.
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CenterPoint Energy estimated that this conservation program has saved Minnesotans $25 million collectively during just one cold weather event. You can also learn about potential pre-weatherization rebates, and if you are eligible, here. This initiative was a part of the Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Act of 2021, which I was proud to coauthor and get passed into law with bipartisan support.
Committee Work
Committee work is underway. As a part of our co-governance agreement with the House GOP, the Republicans are currently in charge and working as a majority until a special election is anticipated to return us to a 67-67 tie. I’m proud to be serving as the House DFL-Lead on the Health Finance Committee. I’m also a member of the House Ways and Means and Education Policy Committees.
Child Tax Credit Reminder
If you’re working on your taxes, a reminder to claim the Child Tax Credit when filing your Minnesota income tax return! Last year, nearly 225,000 families claimed the Child Tax Credit and saw an average total credit of $2,500 back in their pockets. It varies based on income.
If you choose the advance payment option while filing your 2024 income taxes, you will receive your full Child Tax Credit for 2024, part of your 2025 Child Tax Credit in three equal payments in the second half of the year, and the remaining part of the 2025 credit when filing your 2025 income tax return.
 This tax credit of up to $1,750 per child is estimated to reduce child poverty by a third in Minnesota.
March Community Coffee Hours
Save the dates! I’m hosting two community coffee hours in March:
- Saturday, March 8, 2025; 9:00-10:00 a.m. at Dunn Brothers Coffee (15265 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124)
- Saturday, March 22, 2025; 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Galaxie Library (14955 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124)
These are always informal and in a casual setting where everyone is welcome to share their input and ideas. We may not see eye to eye on every issue, but I appreciate knowing your thoughts and how we can best serve Apple Valley residents. I hope to see you in the district soon!
Keep in Touch
Please always feel free to get in touch on the issues that matter most to you; I value your feedback.
Thank you for the honor of representing you and our Apple Valley neighbors at the State Capitol.
Stay warm!
Robert Bierman
State Representative
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