Dear neighbors,
I hope you’re all enjoying the many summer activities our area has to offer. I wanted to provide you with a brief update on new laws taking effect on August 1st, and a reminder about the upcoming property tax refund deadline on August 15, 2015.
New Laws take effect Aug. 1, 2015
Several new laws go into effect on August 1st, including higher penalties for texting while driving, limits on police use of police license plate readers, a "right to try" law that allows terminally ill patients to access experimental drugs and medical devices sooner, and comprehensive family law reform that changes how child custody is determined in the event of a divorce, among other new laws. For more details, check out all the new laws going into effect from House Public Information Services here.
Minimum Wage Increase on August 1st
In 2014 when the Legislature increased the minimum wage, the law was written to increase wages incrementally in three steps. The second of those three steps occurs on Saturday, when hourly wages for large employers go up to a minimum of $9.00/hr and small employers increase to $7.25/hr (the current federal minimum wage). Nearly 300,000 folks earning minimum wage currently will be getting a $1.00/hr increase, which is great news for our economy. You can read more in the Star Tribune’s recent coverage of wage increases here.
Property Tax Refund Filing Due August 15th!
In 2013-2014, the DFL legislature expanded the Homestead Credit and Renter’s Property Tax Refund. If you haven’t filed for your property tax refund yet, I encourage you to read more at the Department of Revenue’s website. Your 2013 and 2014 return should be electronically filed, postmarked, or dropped off by August 15, 2015. The final deadline to claim the 2014 refund is August 15, 2016.
It’s an honor to serve our communities, and I encourage you to continue contacting me at Rep.Mike.Sundin@house.mn or 651-296-4308 with your ideas and questions. Have a safe and relaxing rest of your summer!
Sincerely,
Mike Sundin
State Representative