Greetings,
We have now entered the home stretch of the 2024 legislative session, as lawmakers must finish their business by May 20. No official work may be conducted on that date, meaning the real deadline is May 19. Also, while we have 10 calendar days remining before session adjourns, we only have 5 legislative days remaining where we can actually approve legislation on the House floor.
Stay tuned.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM SOLUTION REACHED
Thanks to the efforts of legislative Republicans, Minnesota’s religious organizations are one step away from once again having the right to hire employees who meet their mission. Last session, the legislative majority removed an exemption in the Minnesota Human Rights Act that essentially puts religious organizations and faith-based schools at risk. After weeks of persuasion from Republicans, the majority finally relented and agreed to approve legislation that reinstated the exemption.
Freedom of religion is a Constitutional right and this exemption should never have been removed. Should Governor Walz sign the bill, private and religion-based schools, churches and hospitals will once again be able to operate according to their faith-based mission.
DISABLED VETERAN PROPERTY TAX EXCLUSION LANGUAGE APPROVED
In a show of bipartisanship, the House unanimously approved a provision this week increases the valuation amount that disabled veterans and surviving spouses can have excluded from their property taxes. The property valuation for disabled veterans with a 100% disability would increase from $300,000 to $400,000, and for disabled veterans with a 70% disability it would increase from $150,000 to $200,000. With the dramatic increase in the value of homes in recent years, Minnesota needs to help ensure veterans and their surviving spouses can remain in their homes.
HOLDINGFORD FARM NAMED 2024 CENTURY FARM
Congratulations to the Feia family in Holdingford, as its farm has been recognized by the Minnesota Farm Bureau as a 2024 Century Farm recipient! Qualifying farms have been in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years and are 50 acres or more. Keep up the good work and thank you for your commitment to agriculture in this state!
LOCAL VISITORS
Senator Howe and I were pleased to be able to visit with students from Sartell this week.
It’s always fun to share thoughts about the legislative process with local students.
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn.gov. or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Have a good weekend,
Tim