Legislative Update - Preparing for the 2025 Legislative Session

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you for once again placing your trust in me to serve our community in the Minnesota House of Representatives. With election season behind us, I can now return to sending out these regular updates on my work as your State Representative.

As I prepare for the 2025 Legislative Session - starting on January 14 - I’m excited to share that this biennium I’ll be taking on a new role as the DFL Chair of the House Commerce Committee, in addition to my membership on the House Taxes Committee. 

As you might have heard, we’ll have a unique situation in the Minnesota House next year, with the body evenly divided with a 67-67 party split. Part of the power sharing agreement reached in negotiations means all of our committees will be ran by a chair from each party, and I look forward to working with my GOP Co-Chair, Rep. Tim O’Driscoll from Sartell, on ways we can lift up Minnesota’s economy and protect consumers.

It’s sure to be an interesting legislative session, especially since a tied Minnesota House has only happened one other time in 1979. I’ll be working to protect the hard-fought progress we’ve made, especially these last two years, but I also know there’s good work to be done with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. It’ll be tough at times, but I’m looking forward to it.

Here’s an update on some new laws and resources for our community, as well as highlights on what I’ve been up to since my last email. Though state law prevents me from sending out these newsletters during the campaign season, the work of a state legislator doesn’t stop during the summer and fall. You can check out my official Facebook page for the complete timeline of my stops and activities these last few months! 

New Laws on January 1st

Even as we prepare for a new legislative biennium, the impact of our work from the last two years is still taking shape, whether it’s banning “junk” fees, protecting renters, prohibiting the sale of deadly “binary triggers” on firearms, or implementing fair prices for concert tickets, there’s a whole host of commonsense measures that’ll now be the law of the land in 2025. Fox 9 covered the upcoming new laws in a news piece you can watch here, and a comprehensive list of everything taking effect on January 1 can be found here.

Red Lake Nation

This summer and fall were full of countless engaging and educational events throughout our community, and it’s truly a highlight of this job to be able to visit as many as I do, but an event from September that stands out for me was actually one that took me on the road up north to Red Lake Nation. 

I learned a great deal about community, education, economics, and history. Respecting our sovereign nations means we must do more bridge building through listening. I want to thank my colleague, Representative Heather Keeler, for organizing and inviting us. I look forward to continuing this work and supporting initiatives brought forward by tribal leaders.

Pheasant Opener

Could not have asked for a more perfect October day for Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan’s pheasant hunt in Austin, MN. Our hosts were generous, our guides patient, and the dogs skilled. We saw over a dozen roosters and had ample opportunity to shoot. It was truly an honor to have a day well spent with my legislative colleagues. Special thank you to my diehard hunting partner, Sen. Seeberger. She’s always game for more hunting time - and not to brag, but we shot our limit!

The Calling

Bringing it back to St. Paul - if you haven’t seen it yet, I highly suggest checking out “The Calling,” the giant new loon sculpture right outside Allianz Field! 

This fall, I joined Minnesota United FC owner Dr. Bill McGuire for the unveiling of the 25-ton, 90-foot wide, and 33-foot high stainless steel sculpture that he commissioned. It is the centerpiece of a new sculpture park in United Village, the area around the stadium. I am a lover of art and am thankful to have such a beautiful installation in our great capital city. I can’t wait to see what it looks like now, covered in snow!

Wilder Park Housing Project

Last week, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, Rep. Michael Howard and I were honored, along with the construction crew and Minnesota Housing, for our work on the Wilder Park housing project. We were able to keep hundreds of residents in their units with a $3 million investment.

Wilder Park is one of the few buildings with affordable units available to mostly low income seniors. The stories from residents were heartwarming and a humble reminder of why this work is so important. Thank you to all the residents for the warm reception. And thank you to Howard Orenstein for bringing everyone together. This was only possible because of your leadership and persistence.

Updates to the Renter’s Credit in 2025

Tax season is right around the corner, and starting in 2025 renters eligible for a property tax refund will now claim their Renter’s Credit on their Minnesota Individual Income Tax return. The Renter’s Credit will be part of their income tax refund amount, be applied to the amount owed on their income tax return or be applied to other debts referred to the Minnesota Department of Revenue. This new, streamlined way of receiving the Renter’s Credit was another accomplishment of ours from the last two years. 

Having the Renter’s Credit on the state income tax form will simplify filing for the around 300,000 renters who claim a property tax refund each. Renters will no longer have to file a separate return and wait until August or September to get their refund. You can learn more about the Renter’s Credit on the Department of Revenue website. 

Stay Connected

I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and warm holiday season, and a joyous new year. This is a great time to reflect on the past, but to also look to the future. In 2025, I’m looking forward to working together to continue our joint efforts in building a better community and Minnesota.

As I prepare to head back to committee work and floor debates when session returns on January 14, now is a great time to touch base on the issues important to you. Please feel free to reach out at 651-296-8799 or rep.kaohly.her@house.mn.gov, and follow along on my official Facebook page.

Thank you again for the immense honor of serving you in the Minnesota House of Representatives. 

Sincerely, 

Kaohly Vang Her

State Representative