Legislative Update- February 7, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

I hope your February is going well and you’re staying healthy.

The House and Senate return to the Capitol on Monday, February 12, and I’m looking forward to gaveling back in for another productive session. Since we balanced the state budget last year, this session will focus mainly on key policy bills with little to no fiscal implication. It’s also a year to “bond” or pass a capital investment/jobs and infrastructure package. These are direct, bipartisan investments in local communities across the state-urban, rural, suburban, exurban- to ensure our different regions can function and thrive, and to help Minnesotans live full lives. I’m working on legislation and am excited to share some of those details at my next coffee hour, which is this Saturday, February 10 at 9:00 a.m. 

I hope you can join me and our neighbors at Dunn Bros on Galaxie Avenue in Apple Valley.

Here’s some news from the Capitol and our community:

New Child Tax Credit in Minnesota

Last session, DFLers in the legislature passed a new child tax credit in Minnesota. Working families have been asking us to help lower costs; this is one strategy we’ve enacted to put money back in Minnesotans' pockets at a time when everything's pricier. The tax rebate will average around $1,200 per eligible child and is estimated to reach over 300,000 families.

Check out if you're eligible here: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/child-tax-credit

Please help share this information with your friends, neighbors, and hold on to it when you’re filing your taxes.

Visit at Uponor

Uponor, one of Apple Valley’s largest employers, serves as an excellent local example of how embracing green energy as a climate solution can both advance innovation and create good-paying, family-sustaining jobs in Apple Valley. Did you know Uponor North American operations are 97% green electric? I was grateful to have had a chance to visit the Uponor Experience Center recently and learn more about the team and their incredible work.

Electric Vehicle Rebates 

Last year, the legislature passed an Electric Vehicle Rebate Program allowing Minnesotans the chance to earn a rebate of up to $2,500 for a new EV purchase and $600 for a used purchase. Electric cars, plug-ins or hybrids purchased or leased on or after May 25, 2023 are eligible.

The application opens today! ????You can learn more information from the Minnesota Department of Commerce here. 

Keep in Touch

Please continue to contact me anytime at rep.robert.bierman@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5506 with questions, input, or ideas for the 2024 session. You’re welcome to follow me on my Facebook page for more updates and happenings at the Capitol and in our community. 

Thank you for the honor of serving our Apple Valley neighbors in St. Paul.

Sincerely,

Robert Bierman
State Representative