Dear Neighbors,
I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year! I hope the new year started well for you and your loved ones. I also hope you found a way to give back on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day this past Monday. I spent MLK Day reflecting and thinking about the struggles of black people in America. Not just of yesterday but of today also. I am so thankful to Dr. King and all the freedom fighters. We are a better country because of them. I also know we have a long way to go for justice, freedom, and inclusion for all. I know the freedom fighters of today are needed. We are needed and we all have a role to play (roles don’t all have to look the same or be the same) to create the state, country and world we want filled with justice, equity, fairness, inclusion and, yes, equality. I truly believe we have leaders in our midst who are intentionally working to take our Country backward. Let’s not sleep through this era, in this time of social injustice-2018 is our King time.
Twin Cities RISE Award
Last week I was honored to be awarded the Workforce Development Champion award from Twin Cities RISE for the 2017 Legislative session!
Advocacy Fair – Sunday, January 21
I have a few updates from the Capitol, but first, some information about the Advocacy Fair at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church I’m cohosting this Sunday with Rep. Dave Pinto and Sen. Foung Hawj. I know many of you will be watching the Vikings on Sunday, and don’t worry, the Advocacy Fair goes from 2:00-5:00pm. You can stop by any time, and we’ll get you home with plenty of time to watch the game! Join hundreds from throughout the metro to connect with more than 25 advocacy groups across a wide range of issues. Please share the Facebook event page widely! I hope to see you there!
Public Works Improvements
Gov. Mark Dayton announced his public works bonding recommendations for the Minnesota Legislature to consider in the 2018 session. The package of recommendations, totaling $1.5 billion, makes significant investments in higher education facilities, clean water infrastructure, affordable housing and other public infrastructure across the state. If fully enacted, the proposal is estimated to create over 22,000 jobs.
Our communities need the investment, and I’ll keep pushing to ensure that these bonding funds are also improving hiring and contracting by the state in the Black, Latino, Native American, and Asian communities to repair our crumbling infrastructure and create good jobs.
Tax Filing Begins January 29
While the New Year has just started, it’s never too early to file your taxes and get your refund if you’re owed one. The Minnesota Department of Revenue will open state individual income tax filing season on Monday, January 29, 2018. For the benefit and convenience of Minnesotans, this is the same day as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The filing deadline to submit 2017 income tax returns is Tuesday, April 17, 2018, rather than the traditional April 15 date.
Electronic filing and choosing direct deposit is the most secure way to get your refund. Last year, over 2 million Minnesota taxpayers used electronic software to file their taxes. Free electronic filing is available for Minnesotans meeting certain eligibility requirements.
Learn more: Electronic filing and free filing options for those who qualify.
Free Tax Help
You may also qualify for free tax preparation help from IRS-certified volunteers at locations across Minnesota for your federal and state income tax returns. Qualified taxpayers are age 60 or older, have a disability, speak limited or no English, or have income less than $54,000 per year.
Most free tax preparation sites are open Feb. 1 - April 15. Visit the website to find free tax preparation sites near you.
Jobs Report
Today, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) released its latest monthly jobs report and noted that the unemployment rate of 3.1 percent marks a 17-year low, down from 6.9 percent in January 2011. Today’s report also noted that that the 12-month average unemployment rate among Black Minnesotans is the lowest ever recorded, at 7.5 percent, down from 23.5 percent in 2011. I appreciate all of the efforts of Minnesotans, and the work of Governor Dayton to make eliminating racial disparities in employment a priority. That said, the fact that there are still twice as many unemployed Black Minnesotans reporting they can’t find work is a challenge I will continue to fight every day at the legislature and in our community. Our economy needs to provide better access to employment opportunities and growing wages in every community.
In January 2011, just 8 percent of state employees were people of color. Today, 12 percent of the state’s workforce are people of color – and that number is growing. Now, over 19 percent of all new hires in state government are people of color, better-reflecting the rich diversity of Minnesota and our state’s workforce.
To learn more about today’s latest jobs report, visit the DEED website. To look up local unemployment rates in your city, county, or region, CLICK HERE. To learn more about unemployment rates in Minnesota by demographics (race, age, and gender), CLICK HERE.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns at Rep.Rena.Moran@house.mn or 651-296-5158.
Together, we are stronger!
Sincerely,
Rena Moran
Deputy Minority Leader
State Representative – District 65A