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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Kim Hicks (DFL)

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Legislative Update - February 16, 2024

Friday, February 16, 2024
Kim Hicks Banner

 

Dear Neighbors,

The first week of the 2024 Legislative Session is in the books! The House convened on Monday, February 12th to begin our business for 2024. I’m excited to build on last year’s historic session and continue working on delivering investments in infrastructure and projects to boost local economies and improve the livelihoods of middle and working class Minnesotans.

New Laws

After a historic session in 2023, many new laws went into effect on July 1st and August 1st, 2023, and January 1st 2024. The nonpartisan office of House Public Information has a summary of the new laws here:

Help Wanted

Olmsted County is looking to fill many positions for seasonal work. If you have a passion for the outdoors and making a difference in your community, one of these roles might be right for you! You can find a full list of positions available on Olmsted County’s website.

Insulin Prices Capped

Democrats are dedicated to helping reduce 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

In 2023, Democrats enacted a nation-leading Child Tax Credit projected to reduce childhood poverty by one third. Families will save up to $1,750 for each dependent, with no limit on the number of children. Nearly 300,000 families are eligible for the new credit, but in order to receive it, you must file a 2023 income tax return. Learn more here from the MInnesota Department of Revenue.

 

CTC

 

Electric Vehicle Rebates

To get more cleaner, greener vehicles on the road, last session lawmakers passed an Electric Vehicle Rebate Program. The initiative allows residents to receive a rebate of up to $2,500 for a new EV purchase and $600 for a used purchase. Electric cars, plug-ins or hybrids purchased or leased on or after May 25, 2023, are eligible. Applications are now live, and you can find more information at https://mn.gov/evrebates.

 

EVrebate

 

Lawns to Legumes Program

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.

 

Lawns to Legumes

 

Stay Connected with the Legislature

Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call or email any time. You can find my information on my House website. You can also like my Facebook page, and follow me on Twitter.

It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.

Sincerely,

Kim Hicks

State Representative

 

 

Representative Kim Hicks

413 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Phone: 651-296-4378
Email: rep.kim.hicks@house.mn.gov (replies to this newsletter are not monitored)
Website: https://www.house.mn.gov/25A
Legislative Assistant: Madison Bailey, 651-296-3806