Legislative Update: Human Services Policy Committee Holds Remote Hearing

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Neighbors,

In an ongoing effort to bring the Capitol to Minnesotans, the House Human Services Policy Committee held an October informational hearing in Moorhead to highlight children’s mental health services and border community needs. Hosted by Rep. Heather Keeler, the committee heard testimony from child protection and social services experts, behavioral healthcare professionals, and parents. We learned about challenges and successes in the community, and it was a day well spent.

You can watch the committee meeting here.

Energy Assistance Program

Open now until May 31, 2024, the Energy Assistance Program helps pay energy bills for eligible Minnesotans. This program is free and provides benefits up to $1,400, with additional support to respond to emergencies. Both renters and homeowners can qualify, and eligibility is based on income and household size. This program is federally funded and administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. You can access the application materials here. 

Drivers Licenses for All

As of October 1st, all Minnesota residents are eligible to earn a Driver’s License, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. This is a major move toward safer roads, as it will allow us to decrease the number of unlicensed, uninsured drivers on our roads and increase the amount of title and taxpaying Minnesotans driving on our streets and highways.  

High School Page Program

Over the last 45 years the High School Page Program has provided students with an opportunity to learn and serve in the Minnesota House of Representatives. The program gives students a unique, challenging, and enriching educational experience. Throughout their week in Saint Paul, High School Page Program participants are engaged in activities designed to help them understand the legislative process, state government, public policy, public service, politics, and much more. The Minnesota House of Representatives High School Page Program is open to all Minnesota high school students in their junior year. Program participants are selected in the fall of each year based on a formal process including an application, faculty recommendation, and an essay. You can learn more here.

Free COVID tests

This fall, Minnesotans will once again be able to order free rapid-antigen COVID tests through the federal government’s at-home testing program. Each household can order up to four tests to be delivered directly to your home. These tests are intended to be used by the end of this year and will begin shipping this week. For more information or to place your order, you can visit COVIDTests.gov. 

Native American Heritage Month

Join me this month, and every month, as we recognize the rich culture and important contributions of Native Americans.

Stay in touch

During the legislative interim, you can subscribe to my occasional legislative updates here, and you can also “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page.

If you have questions, ideas, or feedback that you would like to share, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can email at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-5363.

Sincerely,

Peter Fischer