Neighbors, The 2024 legislative session convened on Monday, and we are off to a fast start. After passing a transformational budget last year, we are building on our work this session. Our focus this session is passage of the bonding bill to fund infrastructure needs around the state. Local projects include the Opus Public Space and The Marsh wellness and fitness center in Minnetonka. The first phase of the Opus project was included in the 2023 Capital Investment bill and the city is seeking funding for the next phase of the project. 2024 CommitteesCommittee assignments remain the same this session as in 2023. I serve as chair of the Education Policy Committee, and also sit on the Education Finance, and Human Services Finance Committees. This week, the Education Policy Committee reviewed the School Resource Officer bill and forwarded the measure to the next committee for consideration. The Education Finance Committee received a Presentation from the Minnesota Department of Education on Implementation of the 2023 Education Finance Budget. I look forward to all discussions in our committees this session. Cold Weather RuleMinnesota’s “cold weather rule” is still in effect. The rule protects residents from having their electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website Child Tax CreditIt is tax filing time, and you may be eligible for a Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. Learn more about income requirements and qualifications on the Child Tax Credit webpage. You can also learn more at the Minnesota Department of Revenue website here.  Stay connected with the legislatureThe Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. You can track bills of interest with the MyBills feature and for general House of Representatives’ information, click on the website. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook here. It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Laurie Pryor State Representative |