Beloved Community,
We have about a month left of session, and we are working hard to pass our remaining policy bills and supplemental budgets which improve the lives of working and middle class Minnesotans. Here’s an update from the Capitol:
Tax Bill Update
Today we passed our 2024 Tax Bill out of committee. The bill makes a number of important changes that will improve the financial situation of working class Minnesotans including; improvements to the Child Care Tax Credit, creation of a free way to file your Minnesota income taxes directly online with the state, and a robust set of policy changes, local tax provisions, and innovative programs that will make our tax code more responsive to the needs of Minnesotans everywhere. The bill also makes changes to local sales tax policy to facilitate the implementation of local sales taxes for certain projects that benefit communities. Next up is the House Floor vote!
House Floor Votes
The House has passed policy bill packages in major issue areas building on the work of our historically productive 2023 session and improving the lives of Minnesotans. So far the House has passed:
- A?public safety package?that passed unanimously and includes bipartisan provisions that protect victim-survivors and make our system more just.
- A labor policy bill that includes provisions to strengthen the minimum wage, ban shadow non-competes, and increase pay transparency.
- A K-12 education policy bill that prioritizes policies to improve the experiences of students in Minnesota schools while also making sure the state is measuring and holding schools accountable for meaningful academic outcomes.
- A Elections policy bill, which focuses on improved voter access and election transparency. It targets policy areas where the state can improve voter turnout and ensure that voters can push back on voting restrictions.
Standing up for Consumers
The DFL also passed legislation to crack down on junk fees to ensure consumers have fair, upfront pricing for event tickets, restaurant meals, hotels, credit cards, and more. I was proud to vote for both of these bills to protect Minnesotan consumers against unfair business practices.
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council
On April 1, 2024, the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council released its FY25 Call for Funding Requests. An estimated $150+ million will be available for habitat work. Eligibility for these grants includes local units of government, Tribal entities, Park & Rec departments, non-profit organizations, SWCDs, watershed districts, and others. Funding is dedicated for projects that protect, restore, and enhance habitat for fish, game, and wildlife. Learn more and apply here.
Free Park Day
Get your hiking boots ready — Saturday, April 27 is the next free entrance day to all Minnesota parks! Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. So be sure to get out and visit our wonderful parks!
Join a State Board, Council, or Committee!
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently released a notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. Any Minnesotans interested in public service are encouraged to apply! There are positions for people from all backgrounds and professions, from cosmetologists to engineers.
You can find the full list of vacancies here.
Keep In Touch
As always, feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions you have for me! I always appreciate working in partnership with you. You can also follow me on my Facebook page.
In solidarity,
Aisha Gomez
651-296-7152
rep.aisha.gomez@house.mn.gov