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Dear Neighbors,
I hope you are having a chance to enjoy the milder temperatures. With the subzero temperatures lifting, there are many opportunities to get outside to enjoy our parks and trails. Here you can check out some of our county parks and trails to explore:
https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/parks-recreation/parks-trails
https://www.anokacounty.us/372/Parks
Here’s an update related to a few education measures moving through the House:
Early Childhood Education
I’ve recently introduced legislation that preserves voluntary pre-kindergarten slots for Minnesota’s youngest learners. I have worked for a number of years to ensure each year we have these learning opportunities for our preschoolers. Under this bill, 4,000 young learners would be able to access early learning opportunities. Getting our children off to a great start helps our students, families, and state. I’m proud to chief author this legislation in the House and will continue to advocate for its passage.
New Protections for College Students
This week, the House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee, which I chair, heard a bipartisan measure that would provide important new protections for Minnesotans struggling with student debt. The Student Borrowers Bill of Rights legislation would require student loan servicers to be licensed. It would also establish a variety of financial guardrails student loan servicers must follow to enhance consumer protections for student loan borrowers.
Tax Write-offs for Minnesota Teachers
The IRS recently announced that teachers who purchased COVID-19 protective equipment last year can write them off on their 2020 taxes.
COVID-19 protective items include, but are not limited to:
- face masks;
- disinfectant for use against COVID-19;
- hand soap;
- hand sanitizer;
- disposable gloves;
- tape, paint or chalk to guide social distancing;
- physical barriers (for example, clear plexiglass);
- air purifiers; and
- other items recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be used for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.
Learn more here.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to contact me at rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn or 651-296-5510. Your voice is important, and I welcome your input anytime on state matters.
Thank you for the honor of serving our Fridley, New Brighton, and Spring Lake Park neighbors at the Capitol. I love representing the community in which I grew up.
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative
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