Dear Neighbors,
The third week of session has been really busy as I work to best represent our community. As we begin to take votes on more and more bills I’d like to hear from you on your priorities, please take a couple of minutes to fill out my 2024 legislative survey. I look forward to hearing from you!
Here’s an update from the Capitol:
Committee Assignments
I'm excited to share my committee assignments for 2024. Session is in full swing so I'm already meeting in these committees regularly. You can follow these committees, bills I introduce, and more on my House webpage: https://www.house.mn.gov/members/profile/15611
Tax Reforms to Benefit Minnesotans
I support a tax system that will benefit families, seniors, and working class Minnesotans. Last year, I voted for a tax bill that has now made Minnesota the most fairly taxed state in the nation. This means rather than providing giveaways to wealthiest among us and large corporations, Democrats are ensuring the Minnesotans who count on it most will have more money in their pockets and have the economic stability they need to thrive. For instance our child tax credit will benefit working families by providing up to $1,750 for each dependent, or how we exempted social security income from being taxed for the vast majority of seniors.
Local School Districts Praise 2023 Education Funding
Last week in the Education Finance Committee we heard from several superintendents from across the state about how the increased funding from the Legislature has benefited their districts. They mentioned how the increased funding has helped them fund mental health programs, construct new buildings and additions, improve special education programs, invest in at-risk youth, and so much more. This mirrors what I’m seeing in our own district, when we invest in our students positive results follow.
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/.
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.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.josiah.hill@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-4124. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and follow my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Josiah Hill, District 33B
415 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155