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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Mary Kunesh-Podein (DFL)

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Legislative Update - July 27, 2017

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Dear neighbors,

 

I hope you have been able to enjoy this beautiful Minnesota summer and are able to visit our lakes, parks, and the fabulous festivals and arts throughout our state. As the summer progresses, I have a few updates for you from the Capitol in St. Paul. Below you’ll find information about New Laws, Capitol Restoration Celebrations, and filing your Homestead Credit Refund, and more.

 

New Laws

Funding for state government in the 2018-19 biennium took effect at the start of July, but a number of policy-related laws will take effect Aug. 1, 2017. Among topics addressed are: construction of an electric generating plant that burns natural gas,  county-funded veteran memorial construction, penalties for impersonating peace officers, and school bus stop-arm violators. New law information provided by nonpartisan House Public Information Services can be accessed here.

 

Summaries of all laws passed by the 2017 Legislature during regular and special sessions are available online from nonpartisan House Public Information Services here

 

Minnesota Night to Unite / National Night Out

Tuesday, August 1st, is Minnesota Night to Unite and National Night Out. These events are held the first Tuesday in August in neighborhoods across Minnesota to celebrate a commitment to our safe communities. I will be spending the evening trying to visiting as many events as I can. If your neighborhood is having an event and would like me to stop by please let me know! If you see me, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself!

 

Enbridge Line 3

Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline is proposed to transport tar sands oil over 100 miles from Hardisty, Alberta to Superior, Wisconsin, threatening some of Minnesota’s best lakes and wild rice beds. The proposed route endangers three of the continent’s major watersheds including the Great Lakes, home to one fifth of the world’s fresh water. In addition, it scars and upsets Ojibwe treaty lands. As a state legislator and of Native American descent, I feel the responsibility to protect our lands and water from inevitable, irrevocable damages for generations to come. Click here to read an article I wrote for a blog that explains why I am vested in this issue and here for a counterpoint issued by the legislative Native American caucus.

 

Capitol Restoration Celebrations this Summer!

After four years of repairs and restorations, our State Capitol is now fully open to the public once again. This beautiful building has been returned to its former glory, and you and your family are encouraged to attend the fun events and fireworks that are planned throughout Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Aug 11-13. Most of the events are free, or offered at very low cost. You can learn more by visiting www.mn.gov/mymncapitol . 

 

 

 

Homestead Credit Refund - Filing deadline August 15th

As a general rule-of-thumb, if your property taxes are about 2% or more of your household income, you probably qualify. Income limits are $108,659 for homeowners and $58,879 for renters. This refund benefits homeowners with high property taxes in relation to their incomes.

 

Use these links to access the MN Property Tax Refundpage or to visit the Department of Revenue website for more information.

 

Coffee Time! Saturday, July 29th from 8:30 - 10 a.m.

Please join Senator Laine and me this Saturday for Coffee & Conversation at Community Grounds Coffee House in Columbia Heights. Stop by to ask a question, discuss an idea, or just to get to know your elected officials.

 

 

 

All the best to you and yours,

 

Mary