Friends,
Unfortunately, last week we saw severe weather cut through our area and with it many experienced significant damage to their property. I wanted to make sure you were aware of resources that are available if you find yourself in this situation.
The Department of Commerce’s Consumer Services Center (CSC) is available to help consumers with questions, concerns, or complaints following a damaging storm, flood, or tornado. The CSC help consumers understand their rights, work with their insurer to settle a claim, and help Minnesotans make informed insurance decisions after a flood or storm damages their home, auto, or property.
The CSC can be reached by phone at (651) 539-1600 or (800) 657-3602 (Greater Minnesota) or by email at consumer.protection@state.mn.us. The Commerce Department’s Disaster Information Center’s information is available here.
Below is the rest of my update from Saint Paul.
Bills Heard in Committee
With Friday being a deadline for bills to be heard in committee, several of my bills were heard in committee this week. They include HF 54, it extends the telecom sales tax exemptions to broadband provider equipment. This exemption spurred investment and growth in rural areas for telecom services and should do the same for broadband internet.
Another was HF 604 the Hands Off Child Care Act. We listened and heard from the independent business people on the unpopular law that allowed an election to be called to unionize self-employed child care providers. Testimony from child care providers covered the aggressive tactics used by union organizers, cost them money and time, and failed overwhelmingly anyway. This bill gives them the respect they have earned. removes this cloud over them, and the ability for union activists to attempt to force another vote on unionization for independent businesses. The bill passed out of committee and was referred to Health and Human Services Finance Committee.
Rep. Quam meeting with representatives from the Southeastern Libraries Cooperating group
Visitors to Capitol
Recently, a number of constituents and groups from our area came to meet with me in Saint Paul. They include individuals from the Arc of Southeastern Minnesota, Gillette Pepsi of Rochester, the International Union of Operating Engineers, local builders, teachers, and school counselors.
Please continue to stay in touch to share your thoughts and ideas on issues important to you. You can schedule a time to meet with me in my office any time by calling (651) 296-9236, or share your thoughts via email by emailing me at rep.duane.quam@house.mn
Thank you and have a great weekend,
Duane