Legislative Update- February 7, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

I hope your February is off to a great start. The legislative session begins on February 12 at noon and I would be so appreciative if you could take a few moments of your time to share your input and priorities by taking our house district survey. Hearing directly from constituents helps me best lift up and represent our Plymouth and Medicine Lake voices and values at the State Capitol. 

It’s certainly been a busy interim! Our work at the legislature began officially when session kicked off on January 2 last year, but it hasn’t stopped for me. I’m serving on two task forces; I’m the chair of the Legislative Task Force on Aging, and I’m a member of the Metropolitan Governance Task Force. With the latter, I’m working with our cities to keep the Bus Rapid Transit on schedule. I’m also working on the Capitol Area Architectural Planning Board (CAAPB) to explore opportunities to redevelop the Capitol Mall. 

Here’s an update on some of that work from St. Paul:

New Child Tax Credit 

Minnesota's new child tax credit is now available for working families this tax filing season. Last session, the legislature passed into law this new opportunity to help offset rising costs. 

Minnesotans can now claim the Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. The credit phases out at incomes over $29,500 ($35,000 for Married Filing Jointly). Eligible parents must file a 2023 individual income tax return to claim the credit. 

Income requirements, qualifications, and more information can be found here. 

CAAPB Survey

The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB), with the help of Minnesotans, Saint Paul communities, and local agencies, is creating a plan to better connect, preserve, activate, and grow the Minnesota Capitol Mall. This process, called the Capitol Mall Design Framework, will rely on the input of Minnesotans from across the state.

The Capitol Mall belongs to all Minnesotans. Everyone should feel welcome here. Please share your input on the future of Minnesota’s Capitol Mall so that it is a reflection of the many people it serves. A survey is open now and will close on February 10, 2024. I hope you can share what kinds of improvements you’d like to see with accessibility, structure, and more.

Lawns to Legumes Applications Opening

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.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to be in touch with your input, questions, and ideas at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn.gov. I’m humbled to represent our Plymouth and Medicine Lake residents in St. Paul. Thank you!

Have a great week,

Ginny Klevorn
State Representative