Dear Neighbors,
As we’ve reached summer’s midpoint, I hope you’ve been able to get outside and enjoy it with your family and friends. Whether out on the lake, at a park, or just in your backyard, summer in Minnesota provides an abundance of outdoor opportunities.
Explore Minnesota
As you plan to travel this summer, Explore Minnesota is a terrific resource for ideas about places in the state to visit. I serve on the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council, and it’s clear our robust tourism industry has a positive impact on the state. In fact, it’s estimated that $15 billion annually is generated by leisure and hospitality in Minnesota. You can check out this fact sheet for more info on the benefits tourism brings to every corner of the state.
Tax Filing Info and Property Refund Tax Refund Reminder
Yesterday, the Minnesota Department of Revenue released some information concerning filing of 2018 taxes next year. Each year, the department updates its filing system, but with the changes made at the federal level late last year, this year’s updates are a bit more significant to accommodate the differences between state and federal tax laws. DOR has some frequently asked questions about the tax law changes here and questions about the 2019 filing season here.
I also want to remind everyone to apply for a property tax refund or renters credit if you haven’t yet done so. Many Minnesotans qualify for this refund, but too many forget to file for it. The deadline to file for a property tax refund is August 15th. Take a few minutes and apply for your refund online or get more information at the Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Refund website.
New Driver’s License Design
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety just released updated designs for driver’s licenses and ID cards. The redesigned cards will be available in August at all driver’s license service centers in Minnesota at the same cost as the old cards.
There are a few helpful things to know about this change. You don’t need to replace your current driver’s license unless it’s expiring, or you need to change your name or address. Minnesotans will be able to use their current license and ID card until the expiration date on the card. Minnesotans whose application or renewal is processed after August, 6, 2018 will receive the new look card. Minnesotans whose driver’s licenses or identification cards expire before October 2018 should plan to renew their cards as they normally would.
On another note, this spring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security provided another extension for Minnesota’s compliance with the federal Real ID program, and Minnesota is on track to have those IDs available starting in October of this year while they won’t be required for air travel until October of 2020.
Visit the Department of Public Safety online here to see the new cards or for more information.
New Laws
As you may remember, the Republican majorities in the House and Senate put together a nearly-1,000 page budget bill toward the end of the session with many quality, bipartisan initiatives, but also many provisions Governor Dayton had indicated were problematic, and that if they weren’t removed, would cause the bill to be vetoed. The Governor followed through on this warning, and therefore, just a few new laws went into effect on July 1 regarding subjects such as licensing for athletic trainers, the Taconite Economic Development Fund, the legislative budget office, and personal claims against the state. You can read more about the new laws here.
Last Update
Unfortunately, this will be my last email update until after November’s election. We’re prohibited from sending mass communications like these starting 60 days after the Legislature adjourns in an election year. I still want to hear from you though, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions, ideas, or if I can ever help.
I look forward to seeing you as I’m out and about in the community this summer and fall. It’s an honor to represent you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Jack Considine
State Representative