Legislative Update - The 2024 Legislative Session

Dear Neighbors, 

We’re wrapping up our first week back in the Minnesota House, and we are hitting the ground running this year to build on our accomplishments and deliver big for our community and Minnesota. 

The focus of last year was largely on our new state budget. This session, the spotlight shifts to policy legislation and a bonding bill. As Chair of the House Capital Investment Committee, most of my work will be centered on the latter.

In our first Capital Investment hearing this week, we heard from the Walz Administration on their $982 million infrastructure proposal, which focuses heavily on asset preservation. It was the first of many steps as we start to craft our own proposal in committee, and you can read more about this week’s hearing here. 

Capping the Cost of Insulin

Democrats are dedicated to reducing the cost of health care and protecting against price-gouging. Earlier this month, Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a landmark settlement with the Eli Lily insulin company that caps insulin at just $35 for the next 5 years. 

Drug companies raised the price of insulin by over 1,100% between 1990 and 2020, and this settlement ensures that Minnesotans can afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect.

You can learn more about the settlement and how to get insulin for just $35 a month here: https://www.ag.state.mn.us/MNinsulin35/.

Child Tax Credit

Last year, we passed a nation-leading Child Tax Credit into law, and now qualifying families can save up to $1,750 for each dependent. Democrats are cutting child poverty by one third with this rebate.

You can claim the tax credit by filing a 2023 income tax return. The $1,750 credit is for each child 17 years old and younger, with no limit on the number of children. For all tax filers, this credit begins to phase out at an income level of $35,000 and fully phases out at a maximum of $90,750 for a family with four children.

You can learn more about the tax credit here. 

Lawns to Legumes

Minnesota residents can now apply for fall 2024 Lawns to Legumes funding. The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources.

Anyone can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitat in their yards. Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you will need to reapply to be considered for fall 2024 funding. Find more information here.

Stay Connected

With the 2024 Legislative Session underway, now is the perfect time to reach out with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas you may have. You can reach me at rep.fue.lee@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4262. I always look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, 

Fue Lee

State Representative