Legislative Update from Rep. Mike Freiberg

Neighbors,

Spring is on the horizon! While we eagerly wait for Mother Nature to send us spring flowers, we’re sowing the seeds of good governance and working to grow the middle class so that all Minnesotans can live full, prosperous lives. Here’s the latest from Saint Paul.

Tax Day is April 15

Last year, we made big moves to help working families, and you’ll feel some of the benefits this year as you file your 2023 taxes.

If you’re a renter, don't forget to claim your property tax refund! This is the first year renters will be able to receive their Renter’s Credit with their tax filing rather than later in the year. Along with making it simpler and more convenient, we also expanded the credit to many Minnesotans who didn’t qualify previously.   

I also want to remind you that nearly 300,000 Minnesota households are eligible for the nation-leading Child Tax Credit! With our Child Tax Credit, families will save up to $1,750 for each dependent. Democrats are cutting child poverty by one-third with this rebate. 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 a maximum of $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.

Don’t forget: Tax Day is April 15.

Ensuring Equal Access to Broadband

Soon, the House will take up the Commerce Policy Bill, which includes the Equal Access to Broadband Act, which I authored.

Currently, cable companies pay a franchise fee to cities in order to lay infrastructure like cable lines on public land. But with more and more people leaving their cable service and opting for streaming, cities have been left with revenue gaps for things like installing broadband infrastructure and public interest programming (think the free channels you can access with a TV antenna.) This bill would allow cities to collect a similar franchise fee for internet providers to help close this funding gap, while putting a firm cap on the fees so consumers aren’t hit with massive cost increases. In addition to this, another bill in the Commerce Policy bill aims to eliminate “junk fees,” which internet companies famously tack on as a means of increasing prices for consumers.

This legislation is the best way to stabilize prices for users, ensure access to broadband all across Minnesota, and modernize the regulatory and funding structure for the 21st century.

Talking Twins

When Matt McNeil offered to have me on his show to talk about the Twins, I thought for sure it was an April Fools joke. Turns out he was serious! You can listen to the segment here on AM950. Thanks, Matt!

Adopt Me!

Meet Lucius! He’s a seven-year-old terrier/pit bull mix who knows all the basic commands and walks well on a leash. He has a history of living with other cats and dogs and loves lots of snuggles and kisses. Those brown eyes are filled with endless love. Head over to the Golden Valley Humane Society to meet Lucius and make him the newest member of your family.

Stay Connected

To stay up to date with our important work at the State Capitol, you can see the Minnesota House of Public Information Services’ nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. 

You can also stay up-to-date with the latest by following my Facebook page. 

To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.mike.freiberg@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4176, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe. 

It is an honor to continue to serve you.  

In solidarity,  

Rep. Mike Freiberg