Dear Neighbors, Spring has sprung and brighter days are ahead. Exciting news! Roadway improvements are anticipated to begin soon at 117th Street in Inver Grove Heights. In 2023, I authored legislation to fix the one mile stretch of 117th Street to enhance efficiency and mobility, developing this essential east-west transportation corridor within our area. The project will also provide pedestrian and bicycle facilities to connect to the Mississippi River Trail. This has been a long anticipated development and I’m thrilled to see it coming to fruition.  We’re roughly halfway through the 2026 legislative session. Committee work is in full swing and we’ve also begun passing bills off to the House Floor. With 67 Democrats and 67 Republicans in the House, all bills that advance to a full House vote must have bipartisan backing. One of these we passed directs $9 million dollars to Minnesota’s supportive housing providers who were harmed by federal cuts. As a retired elementary school teacher, I’ve seen how housing and the lack thereof impacts our children’s ability to grow, learn, and thrive. This is another example of the retribution the feds are imposing on Minnesota, requiring Minnesota to step up to provide emergency gap coverage. We’re doing the best we can with a modest state budget, but with the rate of uninsured in Minnesota climbing to the highest level in 6 years, an average gas price now more than 80 cents higher than one month ago, $160 billion in federal tariffs taken from Minnesotans, and rapidly rising energy costs, there’s more we must do, together, to expand our state economy and grow Minnesota’s shrinking middle class. You can read more about our Affordability Plan here. Child Tax Credit ReminderIf you’re still working on your 2025 taxes and have children, please don’t forget about the Child Tax Credit! It is NOT automatic. So far this year, more than 154,000 tax returns have claimed the Child Tax Credit, benefiting over 318,000 children across Minnesota. Families are receiving an average credit of $2,669. The credit is estimated to reduce child poverty by up to a third in Minnesota, making it one of the most impactful investments DFLers protected amid federal cuts. Learn more about eligibility here.  Proposals to Combat Fraud DFLers are taking on the bad actors who cheat Minnesotans out of public resources and steal from Minnesota taxpayers. We’re working to solve these problems because any sort of fraudulent activity is wrong. Instead of pointing fingers and placing blame on a particular group of people, we need strong solutions that not only hold fraudsters accountable, but importantly, prevent it from happening in the first place. I’m encouraged that the House, Senate, and Governor have all released their legislative anti-fraud packages. Everyone agrees: any sort of fraud impacting our most vulnerable neighbors is completely unacceptable. While we have some differences in how to approach this issue, the work continues and we have until May 18 to forge compromises and pass a strong bill. A key component of an anti-fraud package should include a state Office of Inspector General. This proposal has the backing of both chambers and the Governor’s office, but the emphasis on prevention policy versus punishment remain the main differences. Legislation I’m Working onHelping Foster Youth Before and after school programming in Minnesota often has limited slots, disproportionately impacting foster children’s access. I’m authoring legislation that takes a proactive approach in giving foster parents the tools they need that gives foster children a fair chance to participate in these school enrichment programs.  Getting Kids Ready for Kindergarten I'm also working on legislation to measure kindergarten readiness through early education entry assessments. This tool will help us identify gaps in early learning standards, so we can intervene early and set every child up for success in the classroom. Bicycle and Roadway Safety Another bill I’m authoring received its first hearing in the House Transportation Committee recently. It requires bicyclists to stop at a solid yellow light of a traffic signal before entering the intersection or crosswalk. A near fatal collision with a bicycle trailer carrying a couple children in our area inspired the legislation. We want everyone safe on the road, no exceptions.  Photo: MN House Photography Connected to CommunityI always appreciate it when folks can make the trip to the State Capitol to fight for what they believe in. That's democracy in action. I loved meeting with constituents representing the Recycling Association of Minnesota, AARP, Minnesota School Boards Association, public health, special education, and gun violence prevention advocacy.  I appreciated meeting with the City of West Saint Paul councilmembers and city staff for their “City Day on the Hill” to share what’s happening in our community. They highlighted their support for the 150 Thompson Project, a big step forward in reimagining this space and the redevelopment in our community.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to keep in touch on the issues most important to you! Please send me an email directly at rep.mary.frances.clardy@house.mn.gov or 651-296-3533. You’re welcome to follow me on my Facebook page for more community updates. Thank you for the honor of representing our Inver Grove Heights, West Saint Paul, Mendota Heights, Lilydale, and Sunfish Lake neighbors in St. Paul. Forward, Mary Frances Clardy
State Representative |