Dear Neighbors,
This beautiful Minnesota summer is flying by, but there are a few items from the Capitol I want you to know about. There are also ways to stay in touch during the remainder of this legislative interim.
President Kaler Retiring
Recently, University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler announced he will retire in 2019. I appreciate President Kaler’s efforts to serve our students and fulfill the mission of our great land grant institution. I will be continuing to push for the Regents to carry out a selection process that brings more equity to that mission and lifts up underserved and underrepresented communities and students in our state. We have to keep pushing for greater access to education for everyone and equality in how those services are shared, and we need a new President who stands by those values.
Explore Minnesota
As you plan summer travel, consider checking out Explore Minnesota for ideas. They have excellent resources and great travel ideas in a region you may already be planning to visit or ideas for a trip you’ve never even considered.
Property Tax and Renters Credit
I want to remind everyone to apply for a property tax refund or renters credit before it’s too late. Many Minnesotans qualify for this refund but many forget to file!
The deadline to file for a property tax refund is August 15th. Take a few minutes and apply for your refund online at the Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Refund website.
New Laws July 1& August 1
There are new laws that went into effect on July 1st and will also go into effect August 1st. You can read more about the laws that went into effect July 1st here. They include licensing for athletic trainers, changes to the Taconite Economic Development Fund, adjustments to the legislative budget office, and personal claims against the state. More new laws will take effect on August 1st, dealing with transporting agricultural commodities, child care, community food shelves, the state’s “move over law,” service animals, sex trafficking and the so-called “Safe Seniors Act.” Read about those upcoming changes here.
Final Update
Because state legislators cannot use state resources for mass communications during an election period, this will be my final update to you. While I won’t be able to send out updates until after the election, you can still contact my office any time at Rep.Ilhan.Omar@house.mn or 651-296-4257 with questions, concerns or comments.
I am still available to meet, help with problems, and discuss issues important to our community. Please give my office a call or email me anytime.
National Night Out
On Tuesday, August 7 join your neighbors in celebrating and strengthening neighborhoods during National Night Out. You can find information about registering your National Night Out block party here. This is an opportunity to get to know one another and find shared bonds as a community. Building bridges of understanding between neighbors is important to keeping strong and vibrant communities, and I encourage you to attend your local neighborhood gathering.
Thank you
It has been an extraordinary honor to serve our community at the State Capitol. I have loved meeting so many of you here taking part in activism to create greater justice for all - justice in education, healthcare, civil rights, a clean environment, a fair economy, and more. I look forward to seeing you out in the community as we continue to carry that movement forward together and hearing from you about the issues that matter most to you and your family this summer and fall.
Sincerely,
Ilhan Omar
State Representative