Rep. Kari Rehrauer

Maddy summaryHF 351 establishes a minimum aid amount for cities in Minnesota with unmet needs, specifically requiring that cities located in counties containing a first-class city receive aid of at least $150 multiplied by their population (if their unmet need exceeds zero). The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to set total annual aid distributions at $644 million for 2024-2025 and $722 million for 2026 onward. It modifies how city aid is calculated when certified aid exceeds unmet needs, ensuring no city receives less than its prior year's certified amount minus a small adjustment. The changes take effect for aid payments starting in 2026. This directly affects cities relying on state-local aid programs under Minnesota’s tax system.

Maddy summaryHF 350 establishes guaranteed minimum aid amounts for Minnesota cities receiving state aid. It requires that cities receive at least their previous year's certified aid amount (adjusted for population or levy limits) or their current unmet need, whichever is greater. For first-class cities, it sets a minimum of $150 multiplied by the city's population. The bill also specifies annual aid funding levels, increasing to $657,681,729 for aid payable in 2026 and later. This applies to all cities receiving state local government aid under Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summaryHF 53 amends Minnesota's education finance law to adjust how school districts and charter schools calculate transportation funding. It increases a district's "transportation sparsity revenue" by 35% of the difference between its actual transportation costs (adjusted for previous years) and a calculated amount based on basic revenue and existing transportation aid. This change directly affects public school districts and charter schools by altering their formula for receiving state transportation funding. The adjustment applies to fiscal year 2026 and later, modifying existing funding calculations without creating new programs. The bill focuses on refining the method for distributing transportation funds, not on new policy outcomes.

Maddy summaryHF 270 appropriates $3 million from state bond proceeds to fund a noise barrier on the south side of U.S. Highway 10 in Anoka, specifically between Fairoak Avenue and the West Main Street/Greenhaven Road interchange. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $3 million in bonds under existing bond laws, with the proceeds deposited into the trunk highway fund to cover construction costs. This directly affects Anoka residents living near that highway segment by reducing traffic noise pollution. The key mechanism is using bond financing to pay for the physical barrier, with funds specifically designated for this location. The project requires no new taxes or fees, relying solely on bond proceeds already allocated to transportation infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHF 251 amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 216B.1691, to remove the capacity limit for hydroelectric power qualifying as an "eligible energy technology." It allows all hydroelectric facilities, regardless of size (previously limited to under 100 megawatts or operating before February 2023), to count toward renewable energy goals. This change directly affects electric utilities and hydroelectric generators in Minnesota by expanding which hydro projects qualify for incentives under state renewable energy programs. The bill modifies the statutory definition without altering other program requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 182 appropriates $10 million from state bond proceeds to fund planning and construction of an interchange at the intersection of Trunk Highway 610 and East River Road in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. The bill authorizes the sale of up to $10 million in state bonds to cover costs for final design, right-of-way acquisition, and the interchange construction itself. This funding directly affects the city of Coon Rapids by enabling improvements to this specific transportation corridor. The legislation specifies that unused funds after the initial planning phase may be redirected to construction with proper notification.

Maddy summaryHF 181 appropriates $10 million in state bond funds for the final design, construction, and improvements of a new interchange at Trunk Highway 610 and East River Road (Anoka County State-Aid Highway 1) in Coon Rapids. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $10 million in bonds to cover these costs, drawing from the trunk highway fund. This funding specifically supports the Coon Rapids interchange project, which directly affects local residents, commuters, and businesses using that highway corridor. The appropriation is in addition to prior funding for the same project approved in 2020 and 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 139) increases annual cost-of-living adjustments for retirees in Minnesota's Public Employees Police and Fire Retirement Plan and State Patrol Retirement Plan. It raises the standard adjustment from 1% to up to 1.5% annually (based on federal Social Security COLA), and shortens the required waiting period from 36 months to 12 months for full benefits. Retirees receiving benefits for less than 12 months will now get a pro-rated increase based on months served. The changes take effect for adjustments starting January 1, 2026, and apply automatically unless retirees opt out in writing.