The purpose of the Public Policy Committee is to bring information, insight and empowerment into the Minneapolis and St. Paul Senior Workers' Associations through organization, education, and research to ensure an informed public policy debate and decision-making process on behalf of our members and the senior population we serve.

PROPERTY TAX REFUND CREDIT FOR RENTERS

Although tax season is officially over, renters in Minnesota still have an opportunity to get another refund. Minnesota law gives income-qualifying renters a partial refund for the property taxes they pay indirectly through their rent.

Property owners (landlords) must provide a "certificate of rent paid" (CRP) by January 31 to their residents (tenants). If a CRP was not provided, a "Rent Paid Affidavit" can be requested from the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

To claim the credit:

- Renters must meet income guidelines and must pay a certain amount of rent to qualify.

- The renter must file a Minnesota Department of Revenue property tax refund return form (M-1RP)

- The property tax refund return must be filed by August 15.

For more information about Minnesota property tax refunds, go to
http://www.taxes.state.mn.us/taxes/prop_refund/refund_information/content/renters_refund.shtml

The 2008 Age & Disabilities Odyssey "A Roadmap to Empowerment" will be held at the Duluth Convention.

Center from Aug 18-20th. For more information, go to www.mnaging.org.

Click here to read an issue of Caregiving Policy Digest: "Federal Spending Bill for FY 2008 Signed Into Law: Decreases Funding for NFCSP, No Funding for Lifespan Respite Care Act" (PDF document: Adobe Acrobat required).

Bill proposes to end Medicare Disability Waiting Period. Click here to download pdf. (Adobe Acrobat required)

Click here to download a PDF document containing the links below. (Adobe Acrobat required)

State Elected Officials

Minnesota Governor's Office

Minnesota House of Representatives Member Directory

Minnesota Senate Member Directory

Minnesota Attorney General's Office

Track Minnesota Legislative Progress

Minnesota Statutes, Session Laws, and Rules
(As maintained by the Revisor of Statutes)

AARP Minnesota
Provides information on AARP's position on public policies; how AARP's legislative agenda is selected, what is on the current agenda and how to become involved and how stay informed on senior issues.

Housing Minnesota
Take Action and Policy & Legislation sections provided useful information on legislative action around housing issues.

Minnesota Board on Aging
Advocate section provides information on legislative priorities, long term care reform and other issues; Advisor section provides issue briefs and legislative reports.

Minnesota Health and Housing Alliance
Government affairs section provides information on advocacy issues and initiative and a legislative action center with action alerts and other information on getting involved.

Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging
A consortium of leaders representing social and health service organizations geared to advocate boldly for and achieve positive system change for older adults and their families in Minnesota.

Minnesota Senior Federation
Issues and Activism section contains information on specific issues; Legislative Lobby and Action Center with action alerts, state and federal legislation affecting seniors; Resource Center with presentations, materials and web links on specific issues.

Minnesota Social Services Association
Information on MSSA policy agenda, tips for contacting legislators, action alerts available during the session.

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
The Public Policy section includes news, events, projects & campaigns as well as public policy resources. Register for MCN's Legislative Updates.

Children, Youth, and Families Consortium
at the University of MN Links to Public Policy Information
(Senior Public Policy)

Care Providers of Minnesota
Care Providers of Minnesota exists to empower members to achieve excellence through advocacy, education, knowledge, ress and support.

AHCA/NCAL
AHCA/NCAL represents the long term care
community to the nation at large - to government, business leaders, and the general public. It also serves as a force for change within the long-term care field, providing information, education, and administrative tools that enhance quality at every level.