Dear Neighbors, Last week marked the start of the 2024 legislative session, and I am eager to continue the work of improving the lives of Minnesotans. After a historic session in 2023, many new laws went into effect on July 1st, August 1st, 2023, and January 1st, 2024. The nonpartisan office of House Public Information has a summary of the new laws here: This year, we will continue focusing on legislation to empower working families, strengthen our democracy, protect the rights of all Minnesotans, support critical infrastructure projects, and more. I will continue to serve on the Climate and Energy, Children and Families, Health, and Workforce Development Committees.  Here’s an update from Saint Paul. Limiting Mercury Pollution This week, I presented my bill to limit mercury-containing light bulbs. Mercury is extremely harmful to people and wildlife. Exposure to even small amounts of mercury can cause serious health problems and is a threat to neonatal development. Despite Minnesota taking steps to require recycling of mercury-containing bulbs and banning mercury in cosmetics and skin-lightening creams, mercury remains in fluorescent bulbs. When these bulbs break, they release a toxic mercury vapor. My bill gradually phases out the sale of fluorescent bulbs, keeping our homes, businesses, waste handlers, and schools safer and healthier. Insulin Prices Capped Drug companies raised the price of insulin by over 1,100% between 1990 and 2020, dangerously limiting access for people who need insulin to live. Earlier this month, Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a landmark settlement with the Eli Lilly insulin company that caps insulin at just $35 for the next 5 years. My Democratic colleagues and I are dedicated to reducing the cost of health care and protecting against price-gouging. This settlement ensures that Minnesotans can afford life-sustaining medication, and can live with dignity, safety, and respect.  You can learn more about the settlement and how to get insulin for just $35 a month here: https://www.ag.state.mn.us/MNinsulin35/. File for the Child Tax Credit Nearly 300,000 Minnesota households are eligible for the nation-leading Child Tax Credit the DFL passed last year! With our Child Tax Credit, families will save up to $1,750 for each dependent. This nation-leading tax credit will cut child poverty by one-third.  You can claim the tax credit by filing a 2023 income tax return. The $1,750 credit is for each child 17 years old and younger, with no limit on the number of children. For all tax filers, this credit begins to phase out at an income level of $35,000 and fully phases out at $90,750 for a family with four children. Minnesota families: If you qualify, file your taxes to make sure you claim the benefits available to you. https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/child-tax-credit Electric Vehicle RebateLast session, we passed an Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program allowing residents to receive 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. Applications are now live, and you can find more information at https://mn.gov/evrebates.  Keep in TouchYour voice is important to me! You can contact me at rep.amanda.hemmingsen-jaeger@house.mn.gov, by phone at 651-296-7807, or on Facebook with your questions, concerns, or ideas for this session. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our district in the legislature and look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger State Representative |