Legislative Update- March 5, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you well. It’s the fourth week of the legislative session. Last week’s revised budget forecast – see below – has helped to provide a clearer shape to our work over the next couple of months. And hearing deadlines for policy bills (those that don’t have cost) are coming up in just over two weeks. In the meantime, I’ll get a chance to talk with constituents about all of this this weekend.

Chat with Dave – Saturday at 1:00pm

The session’s second “Chat with Dave” – one of my favorite parts of this job – is coming up this Saturday, March 9. Please join me at 1:00pm at Palace Community Center, 781 Palace Ave., for an informal conversation with constituents about what’s going on at the Capitol, including the issues important to you. Please join us.

Revised Budget Forecast Shows Minnesota is on the Right Path

On Thursday, Minnesota Management and Budget officials released a new state budget forecast showing that Minnesota’s economy is growing and our long-term budget outlook is stable.

As I’ve said before, the budget that we passed last year contained transformational investments that will help everyone in our state to thrive. And the recent forecast confirms that the budget was fiscally responsible as well, with a large and continued surplus in the billions of dollars. Our state’s history has long taught that investments in people pay off for all of us, not just in health and well-being but in economic prosperity too. That lesson has proven true yet again.

Great Start Affordability – Helping to Reduce Costs for Families

I’ve long argued for investments in child care & early learning; getting all kids off to a #GreatStartMN helps parents, employers, and communities too! The committee that I chair recently heard a proposal that I helped to develop called the Great Start Affordability Act. It would provide monthly, income-based subsidies to help families to afford care, with as many as 85% of families with young kids eligible. The revised budget forecast – see above – may well make this proposal more likely to advance. For more details, please see www.greatstartmn.org. Here’s a photo from a press conference on the bill.

The Impact of Gun Violence on Children

After I first introduced them years ago, the bills for criminal background checks and extreme-risk protection orders are now law. But as discussed in this important Star Tribune article, there is still much more to do to keep guns out of the hands of people who have shown themselves to be dangerous.

To that end, last week the House Children & Families Committee (which I chair) held a joint hearing with the House Public Safety Committee (of which I’m a member) on the impact of gun violence on children. We heard from the author of a research paper finding that firearm injuries are now a leading cause of death among children in the U.S., with an increase of 87% over ten years, even as deaths from vehicle crashes fell by nearly half. The Public Safety Committee then heard and passed bills to require safe storage and the reporting of lost or stolen guns. With so many deaths coming from accidents and suicides, safe storage especially could help to keep many more kids safe.

Property Tax Refund  

Tax season is underway! DFLers have worked diligently to ensure that Minnesota families with access to the tax credits and deductions that they've earned, strengthening their financial foundation. Among other things, we've simplified the Property Tax Refund for the benefit of renters, a large proportion of whom are seniors or people with disabilities. Whether you own or rent, learn more by visiting www.revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-refund. 

Child Tax Credit Reminder

A friendly reminder to file for Minnesota’s new child tax credit if you haven’t already! The tax credit is expected to support 300,000 working families, including those who file with ITIN numbers. Check to see if you’re eligible here. 

MPCA Small Business Environmental Zero-Interest Loan Program

In Minnesota, especially, we value our clean air and water. If your small business is looking to reduce on-site air emissions, clean up contamination, or generate less waste, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Small Business Environmental Loan program offers zero-interest loans up to $75,000 to tackle high-impact projects. You can learn more and apply here.

Empowering Teen Leaders

I recently met with the members of the Teen Leadership Council, a youth development program operated by HealthPartners. It included several students at Highland Park High School! They are advancing a proposal to expand education in digital citizenship, a critical concept in today's world. We discussed the legislative process and strategy. Our future is in good hands!

Have a great week! I hope to see you on Saturday.

Sincerely,

Dave Pinto 
State Representative
District 64B, 503 State Office Building

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