 Dear Neighbors, Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve you at the State Capitol. This week, I’ve been able to stand up and amplify your voice more than ever. I’ve successfully advanced several of my bills into our supplemental budget bills, as well as voting down amendments that would harm our community. I hope that you’re having a lovely start to May, and here’s to warm weather this summer.  Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Awareness DayI was honored to attend the Second Annual Legislative MMIW Awareness Walk last Thursday. It’s important that all elected officials are aware of this issue, and know enough to take action. If you haven’t already heard of this issue, here are some quick stats: - Indigenous Women and Girls are murdered 10 times more often than all other ethnicities.
- More than 4 out of 5 Indigenous Women have experienced violence.
- More than half of Indigenous Women experience sexual violence.
- Many of these cases go ignored by the FBI and law enforcement.
Let’s work together to end violence against Indigenous women and get justice for those already harmed. Here’s a video from one of our incredible Indigenous representatives, Heather Keeler.  Investing in Clean Energy and Solutions to Climate Change Scientists are telling us the window to address climate change is closing. Minnesotans are urging lawmakers to act. House DFLers are listening. In response, we passed an ambitious Climate and Energy budget last Monday. This bill will move us forward on clean energy. It invests in several renewable energy initiatives, creates a program to help local governments purchase and install solar panels on public buildings, and funds research and development of clean energy technology. It also invests in new technology that will ensure that clean energy is the most affordable energy out there. We need to take action to preserve the climate for the next generation.  Ensuring Everyone’s SafetyAll Minnesotans deserve to be safe, no matter where they live or what they look like. Access to justice is the right of every single person. House DFLers have worked hard to put together a bill that reduces crime, supports law enforcement, and ensures that the system works for everyone. Under the leadership of my partner on the other side of the district, Rep. Cedrick Frazier, the Public Safety Committee has put together a package that invests $200 million in proven, transformative and innovative solutions to help Minnesota tackle some of the largest challenges to keeping communities safe. Unlike the Senate approach, this bill isn't built to engineer political slogans for political gain while dividing our state along regional and racial lines. Instead, it's built to prevent crime by providing law enforcement with additional investigators, analysts, state assistance from prosecutors, mental health crisis response personnel, probation monitoring, victims' services, embedded social workers, juvenile diversion programs, drug treatment facilities, equipment and much more. Part of the package also ensures every single officer has a body camera. Measures like this are essential to gaining back the community’s trust. This conversation is also happening after a tumultuous month of public safety news, including a non-partisan human rights investigation coming up with appalling evidence of racism within the Minneapolis Police Department. Helping Those Who Need It MostThis year Democrats in the House are proposing significant financial assistance to help reduce rising costs. We are especially concerned about the impact of out-of-control child care costs on family budgets, with some families paying as much or more than their monthly mortgage payments. That’s why we’re providing tax credits for families who cannot afford these rising costs. The House Tax bill would reduce the cost of housing by making the biggest investment in property tax refunds and renter’s credits in decades. Democrats’ proposal expands eligibility and benefits, and makes it easier for filers to apply. As a result, more than 150,000 additional renters will qualify, with an average benefit of $700. Statewide, 30% of renter’s credit recipients are seniors or people with disabilities. In addition, more than 1.3 million homesteads that currently qualify for the market value exclusion will see an increased exclusion. Most people will have more money in their pockets with this DFL bill. This is in contrast to the Senate plan, which provides permanent tax cuts that largely only benefit the wealthy and corporations. They’re also wanting to cut taxes in the name of “fairness” while drastically shorting our state Education budget. I’ve heard that this isn’t what our district wants, and I’m here to help those who need it.  The Energy Assistance Program can help with energy and water billsThe Minnesota Commerce Department encourages households struggling with energy bills to apply for the Energy Assistance Program, with up to $2,000 available to eligible households. In addition, as part of the Federal relief funding, there is help for households to pay past-due water bills. Households can apply for help with both energy and water bills through the Energy Assistance application. For more information and to find your local service provider, go to the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program webpage. You can also call 1-800-657-3710 for more information. Energy Assistance flyers are available in English, Español/Spanish, Hmoob/Hmong, and Soomaali/Somali. Water Assistance flyers are also available in English, Español/Spanish, Hmoob/Hmong, and Soomaali/Somali. Keep in TouchDon’t hesitate to reach out if I can provide any assistance. You can always reach me at rep.mike.freiberg@house.mn. Please follow me on Facebook or Twitter for further updates and invite your friends and family to do so as well.
Thank you for the honor of representing you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Mike Freiberg
State Representative  |