Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen

Maddy summaryThis bill increases property tax relief for Minnesota veterans with service-connected disabilities. It raises the market value exclusion from $150,000 to $200,000 for veterans with a 70%+ disability rating, and from $300,000 to $400,000 for veterans with a total (100%) and permanent disability. The change directly affects qualifying veterans (requiring VA certification and honorable discharge), their surviving spouses who inherit the homestead, and approved primary family caregivers. The exclusion applies to the homestead property's taxable value, with specific application deadlines and eligibility requirements outlined in the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota taxpayers to subtract certain out-of-pocket medical expenses and health insurance costs from their taxable income. It directly affects residents who pay for qualifying medical care (like services covered by Medicaid) or health insurance premiums, excluding amounts already reimbursed by insurance, employer plans, or used for other tax credits. The key provision defines "medical care" broadly to include services eligible for Medicaid matching and standard health insurance as defined by federal law. The change applies to tax returns filed for years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summarySF 444 appropriates $3,350,000 from the general fund for the city of Carver to restore its levee, protecting a historic district from Minnesota River flooding. The funds cover specific capital improvements including raising the levee height, adding internal drainage, establishing setbacks from structures, and meeting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certification requirements. This one-time appropriation is in addition to prior funding for the same project and is available until completion or abandonment. The bill directly affects the city of Carver and the residents/businesses in the protected historic district.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $8.268 million from state bonds to fund campus improvements at Ridgewater College's Hutchinson location. The funds will specifically support designing, renovating, and equipping facilities for electrician, automation, nursing, allied health, and early childhood programs, plus general classrooms and student services. The state will issue bonds to cover these costs, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. This directly affects Ridgewater College students and staff by upgrading facilities for these specific academic programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $9.5 million from state bond proceeds to fund infrastructure improvements in Silver Lake, Minnesota. The funds will directly support the city's stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water systems, including upgrades to wastewater ponds, sewer systems, storm sewers, and water mains. Key provisions authorize the sale of state bonds to cover these costs and require the money to be used for planning, construction, and equipment of the specified infrastructure. The project aims to improve water quality, flow reliability, fire protection, and overall system functionality for Silver Lake residents. The appropriation becomes effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue up to $1.65 million in bonds to fund the rehabilitation of the Salisbury Bridge in Meeker County. The funds will be provided as grants to Kingston Township, Forest City Township, or both, for designing and constructing the bridge work. The appropriation comes from the bond proceeds fund, following standard state bond procedures under Minnesota law. The bill directly affects Meeker County communities relying on this bridge and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, which will administer the funds. It is a targeted infrastructure funding measure with no broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 22) removes income-based limits on deducting Social Security benefits from Minnesota state income tax. Currently, taxpayers face reduced or eliminated deductions based on income levels (e.g., married couples filing jointly lose full deduction above $88,630 in provisional income). The bill would allow all Minnesota taxpayers receiving Social Security benefits to subtract the full amount of those benefits from their taxable income, regardless of income level. It directly affects Minnesota residents who receive Social Security benefits and file state tax returns, as it eliminates the previous phaseout thresholds and maximum subtraction amounts. The change would take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summarySF 168 appropriates $4,037,000 from the state transportation fund to extend Sibley County Road 166 (Freedom Drive) in Arlington, connecting Sibley County Highway 17 to Trunk Highway 5. The funds cover preliminary design, construction, utility improvements, and right-of-way acquisition for the road extension project. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds up to $4,037,000 to pay for these costs, with the money going directly to the city of Arlington or Sibley County for the project. This bill affects local infrastructure planning and construction in Arlington and Sibley County.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2.8 million from state bonds to fund highway reconstruction on County State-Aid Highway 6 in Sibley County. It directly affects Sibley County residents and infrastructure by requiring safety improvements, a new intersection, and raising the road above the 50-year flood elevation along the Minnesota River. The key mechanism involves authorizing the state to sell bonds up to $2.8 million to cover predesign, engineering, construction, and flood mitigation work. The funds will be provided to Sibley County for specific highway upgrades, not for general county use.

Maddy summarySF 18 modifies Minnesota's grandparent visitation rights law in three key ways. It requires courts to consider prior contact between grandparents and children when granting visitation after a parent's death (Section 1), adds a six-month waiting period before re-filing denied visitation requests (Section 2), and updates the process for grandparents who've lived with a child for 12+ months (Section 3). The bill directly affects grandparents seeking visitation, parents opposing such requests, and courts handling family law cases. It repeals an existing provision requiring courts to hold hearings before denying visitation based on interference claims (Section 4).