Dear Neighbors, It’s hard to believe September is just around the corner! The weather is turning just in time for the Great Minnesota Get-Together! The Minnesota State Fair kicked off on the 21st and runs through Labor Day. I was excited to join the House of Representative’s booth last Friday and ran into Bryn Mawr neighbor Barry along with his friend! Also I had to of course enjoy a classic Minnesota food…on a stick.  Hennepin Happy HoursHennepin reconstruction is making great progress, AND we can still make sure to support our local businesses. Please join me at Sencha Tea Bar tomorrow, on August 26 for our next gathering.  Back-to-School Season is HereBack-to-School season is underway! I’m wishing all the students headed to learning opportunities this fall a great school year. And that doesn’t happen without strong support for our public schools.  Last biennium, we sought and enacted bold solutions to looming challenges, addressing 20 years of underfunding after short-sighted shifts away from education fell on the backs of our students. Uncertainty about how our constitutional duty to partner with the federal government in a commitment to deliver for our children will be impacted since the current administration has dismantled the U.S. Department of Education. The back and forth flip flopping from the White House is putting our kids’ future and success into jeopardy. That is unacceptable. We continue our commitment to protecting the world-class education Minnesota is known for delivering to students. As a part of this commitment, we’re guaranteeing a funding increase per student, matched to inflation, every year moving forward. In a 67-67 tied State House, colleagues and I successfully fought off attempts to dismantle free school meals for our students, ensuring no child has to try to learn on an empty stomach. Not only that, but this new law has saved Minnesota families approximately $1,000 per student annually. As students across Minneapolis head back to school, I’d also like to share an important reminder from the Department of Revenue: save those back-to-school shopping receipts! Minnesota offers two valuable K-12 tax benefits that can help offset education costs: K-12 Education Credit (refundable, income limits apply) - Last year: 44,000+ families received this credit
- Average benefit: $379 per family
K-12 Education Subtraction (no income limits) - Last year: 114,000+ families claimed this benefit
- Average benefit: $1,438 per family
Eligible students must be in grades K-12 at public, private, or qualified home schools. Purchases made this year can be claimed on next year's tax return. More information is available here from the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy ActIn 2024, DFLers passed the Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act (MCDPA), which is now taking effect. The MCDPA helps safeguard consumers’ data and their right to privacy and provides Minnesota residents with the power to control how companies and other parties use their data. The Attorney General’s Office enforces the MCDPA and ensures that businesses and covered entities follow the law. They have a website set up to assist you in learning about and exercising your rights. Learn more here: https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Data-Privacy/  Funding Available for Minnesota Clean Energy ProjectsHow could a $5,000-10,000 seed grant support clean energy projects in the community? The Clean Energy Resource Teams want to help! Every other year, the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) seek community-led project proposals related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and energy storage projects within Minnesota. Seed grants fund the labor it takes to get these projects started and act as an incentive for funders to support the remaining needs of the project. Since 2006, over $1.98M in CERTs Seed Grants has been awarded to over 500 projects. Could your project be next? CERTs is accepting applications for projects that: Help people learn about clean energy. Build community by engaging a variety of partners. Remove barriers, making clean energy more accessible for everyone. Are highly visible in the community and can be an example for other communities. High School Page and Undergraduate Internship ProgramsAre you a high school junior or college student interested in the Minnesota Legislature? Consider applying to the 2026 House High School Page Program or the Undergraduate Internship Program! It’s a great way to get an up close look at how a bill becomes a law, advances out of committee, and passes during a House Floor session. There are also ample opportunities to participate in research and policy. To learn more information about the High School Page Program, click here. The deadline to apply is December 4. To learn more information about the Undergraduate Internship Program, click here. The deadline to apply is November 7. Keep in TouchPlease continue to keep in touch with your thoughts, input, and questions. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol! Sincerely, Katie Jones
State Representative |