 Dear Neighbors, I hope this message finds you staying well and healthy. It’s been a busy month before session, and I’ve been doing a lot of work on Capital Investment, as well as planning for the Preventive Health Division's work. I’ll detail that work and other important happenings in Minnesota politics below.  Walz Releases Proposed Bonding BudgetLast week, Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan announced their 2022 bonding recommendations, totaling over $2.7 billion in capital investment projects. This is incredible news. After touring the state this year with the House Capital Investment Committee, I'm convinced that this money for local projects will make our communities safer, cleaner, and more productive. From wastewater treatment plants to building renovations to important cultural education investment, this type of investment will only make our state a better place to live. “In Minnesota, no matter where you live or what you look like, you deserve to see your state stepping up to invest in your community and future. The House Capital Investment Committee will be crafting a robust bonding bill this session that delivers for all Minnesotans.” - Chair Fue Lee MPR Article on the Announcement  Senate District 45 Town HallSenator Rest, Representative Frazier and I are all looking forward to our next virtual town hall on February 19th at 11:00am. We'll be accepting questions from constituents in the Zoom room. We would love to hear from you! Register in advance for this meeting here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Facebook Event  2022 Minnesota Climate Action PlanAs a member of the House Climate Action Caucus, I’m excited to let you know about the 2022 Minnesota Climate Action Plan that was announced last week. This plan is a science-based approach meant to address the climate crisis, lower energy costs, and create jobs and economic opportunity while ensuring that our state is a great place to live and work for current and future generations of Minnesotans. It’s a $1 billion ask of our $7.7 billion surplus, and it’s an investment that will only make things cheaper for us down the line. Video of Climate Caucus Presser  COVID-19 UpdateAs the COVID-19 Omicron variant continues to rapidly spread across the country and our state, health care workers continue to plead with folks to get vaccinated, boosted, wear a mask, and stay home when you’re not feeling well. This month, the House Health Finance and Policy Committee, which I am a member of, held a remote hearing to discuss COVID-19’s status in Minnesota, including the Omicron variant and the pandemic’s impact on health care. Omicron is highly infectious, doubling every day-and-a-half to three days and as a result, health care system capacity continues to face pressure. Statewide test positivity is currently at 19.8%, the highest ever reported during the pandemic. We’re all tired as we reach the grim milestone of nearly two years since the pandemic began, but it’s critical we do our part to keep each other safe, and to protect hospital infrastructure and capacity. Thank you for all you continue to do to show our dedicated frontline workers we care. Speaking of our frontline workers, Minnesota is suffering with an emergency shortage of Certified Nursing Assistants. With a goal of 1,000 new CNA enrollees by the end of the month, the Office of Higher Education has launched a program to fund new students. Start a new career as a nursing assistant today and make a direct impact in your community. Free tuition, books, uniform, and exam. Learn more and find a program near you here. With the continued spread of Omicron, the Biden Administration just announced that every home in the US is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests, delivered to your door. I ordered the tests just yesterday, and it only took a couple of minutes. Order here. Video of House Health Cmte 1/13 Keep in TouchYou can always contact me at rep.mike.freiberg@house.mn with any questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Mike Freiberg State Representative |