Legislative Update – May 21, 2023
Dear neighbors,
Last night, the House passed the 2023 Tax Bill. Collectively, the bill delivers the largest tax cut in state history with credits, rebates, and other provisions designed to maximize benefits for workers, families, and seniors. It also addresses years of rising property taxes and underinvestment in local communities by providing millions of dollars in property tax cuts and direct assistance to local communities. These critically needed provisions are paid for through the state’s historic surplus and new revenue from measures that target the wealthiest corporations and individuals in the state.
I was proud to vote “Yes” and I’m especially glad the bill includes:
- A new and simplified Child & Working Family Tax Credit of up to $1,750 per child which will impact more than one million families and reduce child poverty by one-third.
- Measures to reform the Renter’s Property Tax Refund program, incorporating the credit onto income tax filings, resulting in an additional $378 million back to renters over the next two years.
- An additional $80 million for Local Government Aid and $80 million for County Program Aid to help local communities deliver critical public services while keeping property taxes in check.
Local Projects in Environment Bill
Last update I talked about our historic investment in protecting our environment and natural resources and I wanted to take another chance to highlight how the bill will impact our district.
The bill includes $6 million to expand the Grey Cloud Island Scientific and Natural Area to restore and enhance habitat in our district. It has $2.75 million for capital improvements to Newport’s inflow and infiltration system, a long-overdue investment in ensuring our community has clean and safe water. Finally, the bill includes $458,000 for Dakota County to improve the Rock Island Swing Bridge in Inver Grove Heights – right along the Mississippi River Greenway!
Human Services and State Government Budgets
In the last couple of days, we also approved the final versions of our Human Services and State Government Budgets. Our Human Services Budget bill provides support for our most vulnerable Minnesotans, significantly invests in pay raises and increased support for caring professions, and doubles down on our efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 71-61.
I also voted for our State Government and Elections Budget, which funds our critical state agencies, provides long-overdue cybersecurity upgrades, increases grant oversight, and more! The Elections provisions will make our elections safer, smoother, and easier to administer while ensuring our Democratic process is accessible to all eligible voters in Minnesota. The bill also included my bill protecting the freedom to plant native landscapes and other pollinator-friendly practices in Minnesota cities! You can learn more about that bill here.
Conference Committee Reports
As the legislative session comes to a close, we are passing the final versions of our budget bills and other priorities. Alongside our DFL Senators, we are ending the gridlock and delivering on the promises we made to Minnesotans. You can read more about our final bills using our nonpartisan Session Daily stories: Veterans and Military Affairs, Housing, Higher Education, Legacy, Agriculture, Early Education, Public Safety and Judiciary, K-12 Education, Jobs and Labor, Environment and Energy, Commerce, State Government and Elections, Human Services, Taxes, Cannabis, and Paid Family and Medical Leave.
Stay in Touch
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback throughout the legislative session. You can reach me by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-6828. You can contact my legislative assistant Sam O'Neill at 651-296-3305 or via email at samuel.oneill@house.mn.gov.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative