Dear Neighbors,
As summer moves along, I hope you are taking every chance to get out and enjoy it with your friends and family. Minnesota summers are a time for all of us to come together to enjoy everything our state and community has to offer. There are a few brief updates from the Capitol below and a note about ways to stay in touch during the legislative interim.
Minnesota Legislative Budget Office Oversight Commission
Recently, I was appointed to the Legislative Budget Office Oversight Commission by House Speaker Kurt Daudt and Minority Leader Melissa Hortman. The Legislative Budget Office Oversight Commission was established in 2018 to review the work of the Legislative Budget Office and make recommendations regarding the office's ability to fulfill its duties. The work of this commission is an opportunity to work together to find ways for legislative decision-making to be even better informed and to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of legislators as we work to assess all of the fiscal impacts that legislation has on Minnesotans and our communities, for the benefit of all of us. You can read more here.
Explore Minnesota
As you plan summer travel, considering checking out Explore Minnesota for ideas. They have excellent resources and great travel ideas in a region you may already be planning to visit or ideas for a trip you’ve never even considered.
Property Tax and Renters Credit
I want to remind everyone to apply for a property tax refund or renters credit before it’s too late. Many Minnesotans qualify for this refund but many forget to file!
The deadline to file for a property tax refund is August 15th. Take a few minutes and apply for your refund online at the Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Refund website.
New Laws
Several new laws went into effect on July 1st. They included licensing for athletic trainers, changes to the Taconite Economic Development Fund, adjustments to the legislative budget office, and personal claims against the state. You can read more about the new laws here.
Last Update
This is my last update until after the election. Legislators cannot use state resources for mass communications during an election period because it might create an unfair advantage, and so we must limit mass email contact. While I won’t be able to send out these updates for a while, you can still follow me on Twitter or contact my office any time at Rep.Lyndon.Carlson@house.mn or 651-296-4255 with questions, concerns or comments.
I am available to meet, help with problems, and discuss issues important to our community. Please give my office a call or email me anytime.
Upcoming Community Events
July 26-29 - Crystal Frolics annual celebration is at Becker Park in Crystal. The event will include music, fireworks, a softball tournament, button/Crystal Ball search, card tournaments, carnival area, Bingo, a Baggo tournament, fun runs, a petting zoo and more. The event is supported by many community organizations and provides a weekend of food, fun and family entertainment. A full schedule of events can be found on the Crystal Frolics Website.
August 7 - National Night to Unite: Join your neighbors in celebrating and strengthening neighborhoods and the community by registering your Night to Unite block party. The event is on Tuesday, Aug. 7, and offers the opportunity to get to know one another, build neighborhood involvement, and bring awareness to crime prevention and local law enforcement efforts.
September 22 - Plymouth on Parade - 10:30 am to 2:00 pm at City Center. Celebrate by enjoying an old-fashioned parade through City Center and an afternoon of family activities at the Hilde Performance Center, the Plymouth Ice Center and Life Time Fitness. See more info on Plymouth events in the annual events brochure.
Thank you
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our communities at the State Capitol. Promoting our strong community values of working together for the betterment of everyone continue to guide me as we work to build a better future for all Minnesotans. That includes making health care accessible and affordable; guaranteeing our kids have a first-class education; making higher education and job training a reality for Minnesotans; and keeping our communities safe.
Sincerely,
Lyndon Carlson
State Representative