Dear Neighbors,
A top priority of mine this legislative session is to improve the work environment at the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter. Yesterday, Gov. Dayton announced a bold plan to fund critically needed improvements at the hospital. I applaud his leadership in calling for the necessary investments to keep staff safe – both at the Security Hospital and at the Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center – while ensuring those in the facility receive the care they need.
In all, Gov. Dayton is proposing a new package of $177.3 million in improvements to mental care and treatment statewide. Of this, $22 million would be directed to improved security, additional clinical and security staff, and a new specialized unit to better serve developmentally disabled patients at the Security Hospital. This is on top of his previously announced bonding proposal to invest $70 million in renovations to improve staff safety.
We’ve heard far too many accounts from staff members fearful for their safety, and who have experienced first-hand the consequences of inaction. These upgrades and renovations are overdue, and I will work to get these enacted.
Senior and Vulnerable Adult Fraud Prevention
One out of every five people over the age of 65 has been a victim of a financial swindle, according to the Investor Protection Trust. Another study estimates that the criminal proceeds resulting from this fraud total $3 billion every year.
A bill is moving through the Legislature to address this. HF 3454 would implement a statewide education and outreach program to protect vulnerable adults, seniors and caregivers from financial exploitation. The education and outreach program would be statewide, and would share information about what to look out for over television, radio, and print outlets. It would also include fraud training and outreach to senior living facilities. The bill is funded by a one-time $500,000 appropriation. Hopefully we can pass this initiative, and perhaps in the future expand it.
Property Tax Refund
As a friendly reminder, don’t forget to file for your Renter’s Property Tax or Homestead Credit Refund. To see if you qualify, take a look at the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Instruction Guide. The forms can be accessed here. Many Minnesotans each year leave money on the table due to them, either because they don’t realize they qualify for the refund, or because they simply forget to file.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue also has information available on filing for free on their website. If you want to file yourself and wonder if you qualify for free electronic filing products or you want assistance from a free tax preparation site, visit this page.
We are quickly approaching the halfway point of the legislative session. I encourage you to stay in touch with any feedback or questions on topics important to you.
Sincerely,
Jack Considine
State Representative