Treetop Trail Opens & Upcoming Community Coffee Hour

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this email newsletter finds you well and enjoying the dog days of summer. 

On Friday, the Minnesota Zoo opened its Treetop Trail to the public! I enjoyed participating in the ribbon cutting and grand opening with Senator Maye Quade, Rep. Huot, Sen. Clausen and all the advocates who have worked tirelessly in making this vision a reality for all. 

After years of going unused, this state-partnered project utilizes the existing monorail tracks to create the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop! Be sure to plan a trip to enjoy the view from a new vantage point and some fresh air and exercise. 

Community Coffee Hour this Saturday

This Saturday, August 5th at 9:00 a.m., I’m hosting a casual community coffee hour at the Dunn Bros in Apple Valley on Galaxie Avenue (15265 Galaxie Ave.). Feel free to stop by for a beverage and to let me know what’s on your mind. I appreciate your feedback and questions about our work at the State Capitol! Everyone is invited to this nonpartisan gathering. 

Qualifying for the Special Property Tax Refund, Homestead Credit Refund, and Renter’s Property Tax Refund

Many taxpayers file Form M1PR when they submit their income tax return (Form M1) by the April 15 income tax filing deadline, but Form M1PR is not due until August 15.

If you have not filed 2022 Form M1PR yet: Review the 2022 Form M1PR instructions at bit.ly/2022M1PRinst to see if you qualify for these refunds. If you qualify, complete the 2022 Form M1PR. You should file, postmark, or drop off the form by August 15, 2023.

If you filed a 2022 Form M1PR before June 14, 2023: Whether you need to take any action depends on how you filed your return.

REAL ID Deadline 

As you’re making future plans for travel, it’s a good idea to check if you’re REAL ID ready. If you have a driver’s license renewal coming up, you may want to consider getting one now.  Beginning May 7, 2025?, Minnesotans, 18 years of age or older, will not be able to use their standard driver's license or identification card to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. Instead, you will need one of three options:

• Minnesota REAL ID driver's license or identification card.
• Minnesota enhanced driver's license or identification card.
• Other federally-approved forms of identification. They are listed online here, but include:
• U.S. passport or passport card.
• Foreign government-issued passport
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
• U.S. Department of defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

You can find more information here. 

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime with input or questions. Don’t hesitate to let me know how I can help at rep.robert.bierman@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5506. 

I hope to see you Saturday!

Sincerely,

Robert Bierman
State Representative