Dear Neighbor,
Before we get to some legislative notes and other jottings, I want to mention the end of this week brings us to 60 days since the legislative session ended. At that point, legislators are prohibited from emailing newsletters such as this until after the November election. In the meantime, I will continue doing my job representing the people of District 18A, including individual email correspondence. Your input always is welcome.
It has been great to see so many people out and about this summer at community events and festivals, especially after the last couple of years where many gatherings either were canceled or just weren’t the same. One thing that seems to come up wherever I go is how people are hurting from the 40-year price increases we are experiencing on pretty much everything. From gas to groceries, home heating/cooling and beyond, paychecks aren’t going as far today.
This highlights the importance of passing meaningful, permanent tax relief right when the Legislature next convenes. We had an opportunity to deliver historic cuts in the 2022 session. Senate Republicans proposed more than $8 billion in tax relief, but House Democrats wanted to spend $21 for every $1 in tax cuts and an agreement was not reached before adjournment.
Tax relief – starting with eliminating state taxes on Social Security – and working to make our state’s streets safer at a time violent crime continues to soar remain top priorities.
NFIB award
I am pleased to announce the National Federation of Independent Business has presented me with the prestigious Guardian of Small Business Award for my score on the NFIB Minnesota Voting Record for 2021-22.
The Guardian of Small Business Award is reserved for legislators who vote consistently with small business on the key issues identified by small business owners. Minnesota lawmakers who voted with small business on key issues during the 2021-22 legislative sessions earned the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award.
Thank you to the NFIB for this recognition and I look forward to continuing efforts to support small businesses in Minnesota, the backbone of our economy.
July 22 deadline to apply for frontline worker pay
Tomorrow (Friday) is the last day to submit applications to the Frontline Worker Pay program. Eligible workers include health care workers, first responders, public transit workers, childcare workers, and many others. Eligible applicants can receive up to $1,500 based on how many people apply. You can apply or find more details regarding eligibility at this link.
988 mental health crisis hotline available
A new 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline number recently was launched, providing a universal number for people in need to call or text and receive help. I hope this number proves helpful in providing resources to those facing a mental health crisis and that people are quick to react and call when necessary.
Childcare development grants
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has launched the latest round of?Child Care Economic Development Grants to increase quality childcare providers and support economic development across Minnesota. DEED is seeking proposals from local governments or nonprofits with experience in the operations, financing, advocacy, or advancement of the delivery of childcare services. Qualified parties may request up to $300,000 in state funds for this program.
Individual childcare providers, both centers and family-based, seeking funds to establish new operations or expanding existing operations are encouraged to partner on their funding request with local or regional organizations with experience in the planning or financing of child care facilities.
Applications are due by Aug. 30. This link has more details about this grant program. An informational webinar also will take place 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. this Tuesday (July 26) at this Microsoft Teams link; you also can participate by phone by calling (651) 395-7488 (Conference ID 175 607 021#).
Until next time, have a good summer and we’ll see you around.
Sincerely,
Dean