¡Saludos! Greetings Neighbors,
It's hard to believe we're already nearing the end of Black History Month and our third week of the 2024 session. I've been active in the House, pursuing bills that will continue to provide relief and sustainable impacts for our communities. One of my favorite highlights from this past week was visiting Two Rivers High School with my colleagues. Their Cooking Club prepared and served us a delicious meal of lasagna, garlic rolls, salad, and chocolate cake! It was an honor to talk to the students over lunch about their hopes and dreams after high school.
I'm beyond grateful to these students for their hospitality and to their school and educators for encouraging their interest in the culinary arts.
Tenants' Rights to Organize
Last week, I had the honor of reintroducing my Tenants Rights to Organize Bill to Housing Committee members. This bill makes it easier for tenants to work together to get better living conditions and stops landlords from retaliating by raising rent or evicting them simply for exercising their right to organize.
Empowering tenants to advocate for better living conditions goes beyond personal comfort, it strengthens democracy. When tenants know their rights and can advocate for themselves, they contribute to a stronger democracy by shaping their neighborhoods.
I am happy to inform you my bill passed in the Minnesota House Housing Committee and will be heard in the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law next!! Let's keep the momentum going! Pa'Lante!
You can watch the full committee hearing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGgdtwQNUJA
Great Start Affordability Act
As a single mother, working parent, and dedicated member of the Children and Families Committee, I was honored to support my colleagues in announcing the Great Start Affordability Act. This bill will address childcare affordability, thereby enhancing workforce development in Minnesota. Investing in childcare affordability is a sound economic and social investment, yielding significant benefits for individuals, families, and our broader economy.
By addressing this critical issue, we can promote workforce development, enhance child well-being, and contribute to a more prosperous and equitable society. #KidsCountOnUs
Minnesota for Homes Initiative
In our Housing Committee, my colleagues Representatives Larry Kraft and Alicia 'Liish' Kozlowski introduced the Minnesotans for More Homes Initiative which offers a powerful solution to Minnesota’s racial equity gap in homeownership by increasing the state's "missing middle" housing supply.
In Minnesota, I believe every family deserves a safe and stable home. We must provide diverse housing options, and by supporting programs that keep families housed and fostering generational homeownership, we can unlock long-term sustainability for our families, communities, and the entire state's economic growth.
Property Tax Refund
With tax season underway, DFLers worked diligently to ensure Minnesota families have access to the tax credits and deductions they've earned, strengthening their financial foundation. We worked to simplify the Property Tax Refund, making sure every renter will receive the refund they deserve, one third of whom are seniors or people with disabilities.
You can qualify for the $204 average refund by visiting www.revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-refund.
Minnesota Dream Act Application
GREAT NEWS!! The Minnesota Dream Act Application, our state's financial aid application for students who have undocumented status, is now open! College-bound students who plan to attend college or career school during the 2024-2025 school year should complete this application.
By applying for the MN Dream Act, eligible undocumented students can receive state-based financial aid, which includes the Minnesota State Grant and North Star Promise Scholarship. Students can also receive in-state resident tuition rates and privately funded financial aid at Minnesota public colleges and universities.
Like the FAFSA, the application must be completed each academic year the student is enrolled in college.
Learn more at www.ohe.state.mn.us/MNDreamAct
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.maria.isa.perez-vega@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9714. You can also follow my official Facebook page.
Muchísimas Gracias,
Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega
Minnesota House of Representatives
Committee Assignments:
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Housing Finance and Policy
Education Finance