Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update
Neighbors and friends,
I hope you’re enjoying your summer and are looking forward to the State Fair!
I’ve spent the first week in August at two conferences with other legislators from around the country. First, 128 state legislators from 36 states came together as the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) in Cambridge, MA. I serve on the Board of Directors of this group, and we work to bring Democrats and Republicans together to work on policy solutions to combat climate change, remove toxins from drinking water and consumer products, and conserve water. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined us as a partner in launching a database that will help state legislators learn from each other’s successes.
Then, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) met in Boston. Hundreds of the legislators from the United States and Canada have come together to discuss policy solutions to challenges that all states and provinces face in health care, criminal justice, and other areas. I have learned a lot.
Property Tax Refund Deadline Approaching
In Minnesota, many homeowners and renters are eligible for a property tax refund, but the deadline is fast approaching.
To see if you’re eligible for either refund, visit: http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/individuals/prop_tax_refund/Pages/Eligibility_Requirements_for_the_Property_Tax_Refund.aspx
And access refund forms here: http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/individuals/prop_tax_refund/Pages/Property_Tax_Refund_Forms_and_Instructions.aspx
The forms are easy to complete and generally don’t take very long to fill out. Many people send these in with their tax filings in April, and if you did already, that’s great. If not, file them soon – the deadline for both refunds is August 15th.
Capitol Grand Reopening This Weekend
This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday there will be a wide variety of events at the Capitol to mark the grand reopening since its multi-year renovation. For a full list of events, visit: https://mn.gov/admin/capitol-grand-opening/
I will be in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony Friday morning at 9:00 am. I hope to see you there!
Anoka County Community Water Meeting
The League of Women Voters Upper Mississippi River Region, along with the Anoka County Water Task Force, Anoka Conservation District, Anoka Ramsey Community College, and Anoka Technical College are excited to invite you to a Community Water Meeting to have your voices heard regarding the future of our lakes, rivers and drinking water.
Mark your calendars to attend the August 29th, 7-9 PM event in the Legacy Room, Anoka Ramsey Community College to share your opinions, connect with local resources in water management, and enjoy some light refreshments.
For more information and a complete rundown on the 25 by 25 event, click on: https://www.eqb.state.mn.us/25by25
As always, please contact me anytime with your input. I appreciate hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman