Dear Neighbors,
Welcome to spring! It is an extremely busy time at the Capitol. The first deadline for policy bills to get through committee was yesterday. The second policy deadline is next Thursday. After the spring break attention in committees will shift to the state budget and tax matters. Here’s this week’s Capitol Update.
Employee contracts still not approved
We’re wrapping up the fifth week of the legislative session and our state workers still have not had their union contracts approved. This means the pay and benefits for the 30,000 hardworking Minnesotans who provide critical services for us are still in limbo. The Minnesota Senate is poised to take a vote on their approval next week. Hopefully the House can follow soon behind.
AFSCME members held their day on the hill this week. The contracts were negotiated in good faith. These dedicated professionals deserve to have these contracts approved without any more delay.
C-Line breaks ground
Construction on Metro Transit’s C-Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor broke ground this week. This project will largely replace the current 19 route from Brooklyn Center to downtown Minneapolis predominantly running along Penn Ave. and Olson Memorial Highway.
The 19 currently carries 7,000 riders daily with this number projected to grow to 9,000 by 2030. The C-Line will provide a more comfortable experience. Service is expected to be 25 percent faster and busses will be fully electric with no tailpipe emissions. The route will integrate with other local routes and current and planned LRT lines.
For more information, visit Metro Transit online here. A video explaining the differences between BRT and conventional service can be viewed here.
Tax help is available
This year’s income tax filing deadline is Tuesday, April 17. Free preparation help is available through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and AARP Tax-Aide programs for people who meet certain eligibility guidelines. Assistance may be available for people who: are age 60 or older; have a disability; speak limited or no English; or have annual income less than $54,000.
Help is available at these locations:
Prairie Seeds Academy, 6200 W Broadway Ave N, Brooklyn Park. Thursdays (except April 5) from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Spanish language assistance available).
Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., March 31 and April 14. (By appointment only by calling 952-697-1414; Spanish language assistance is available).
Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Dr N, Crystal. Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Last client taken at 3:00 p.m.)
Golden Valley Library, 830 Winnetka Ave N, Golden Valley. Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Sign-up begins at 9:00 a.m.; last client taken at 1:00 p.m.)
Visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue online for more information. Also don’t forget the income tax checkoff allowing you to, at no cost, designate $5 toward the political party of your choice. There’s also the nongame wildlife checkoff allowing you to contribute to habitat protection and conservation efforts.
Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions.
Sincerely,
Debra Hilstrom
State Representative