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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL)

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Legislative Update – September 23, 2021

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you and your family are doing well as we transition to fall. If you have students in your family, I hope their school year is off to a great start. The leaves are already rapidly changing color, and as you get out and about this fall, the DNR’s Fall Color Finder is a good resource.

2022 Redistricting

Every decade, following the U.S. Census, lawmakers have the responsibility to redraw congressional and legislative district boundaries to reflect the updated population figures. The House Redistricting Committee, of which I am a member, has been diving deep into this complex work determining how redistricting not only impacts physical political boundaries but common populations of interest in various regions as well. The nonpartisan House Research Department has prepared a helpful guide to the various principles – both required under the state and federal constitutions and laws, and discretionary – at play in this process.

It’s crucial that our new maps are fairly drawn, and to the extent possible should be contiguous and compact while keeping communities together. To ensure we meet these goals, public input is important. Our committee has held a series of remote listening sessions, and through the end of the month, you’re invited to share your thoughts on redistricting with the committee. Instructions about how to lend your voice to this important process are available here

Main Street COVID-19 Grants

The Minnesota Department of Economic Development is now accepting applications for the Main Street Covid Relief Grants Program. Grants of $10,000 to $25,000 are available for businesses that experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19. The deadline to apply is September 29th. Too many businesses didn’t receive assistance during previous COVID relief programs, and the Main Street program will prioritize grants for these Minnesotan-owned and operated businesses.

A total of $64,200,000 worth of grants is available. More information is available here from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. If you know a small business owner who may benefit from this program, be sure to share the information with them.

PPP and UI Refunds

In June, as part of our bipartisan state budget compromise, lawmakers enacted tax cuts for businesses that received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and workers who received additional Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. As a result of this action, more than 540,000 Minnesotans are eligible for refunds. Since most people had already submitted their individual income tax returns, the Minnesota Department of Revenue developed a system to adjust impacted returns on their end. Most taxpayers won’t need to file amended returns, and the new system will help the agency deliver refunds as quickly as possible. 

Last week, the Department of Revenue began adjusting returns and delivering refunds. More information is available here.

Please continue to contact me with your input, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.

Together,

Julie Sandstede
State Representative