Dear Neighbors:
Happy holidays! I hope your time with family, friends and neighbors this season is filled with joy and peace. I’m writing with a quick check-in in advance of the 2019 legislative session.
New Role & Committee - Early Childhood
I’m grateful to be serving our community for another two years in the Minnesota House, this time in the legislative majority. In recognition of my legislative focus on the earliest years, I’ve been appointed to chair an innovative committee on early childhood that will report to both the health & human services and education committees in the House. I’m thrilled by this opportunity, which you can read more about here.
Tuesday, January 1 - New Laws
A handful of new laws passed during the 2018 legislative session take effect Jan. 1, 2019. This information can be accessed here.
Tuesday, January 8 - Session Starts
The new Legislature convenes at the Capitol at noon on Tuesday, January 8. Please feel free to join us, if your schedule permits, to see members being sworn in and to join in advocacy at the Capitol, including a 1:00pm rally and other activity in support of action against gun violence prevention.
Sunday, January 13 - Chat with Dave
“Chats with Dave” are monthly conversations among neighbors about policy issues. The first Chat for 2019 will be on Sunday, January 13 from 1:00-2:30pm at Highland Park Library at 1974 Ford Parkway. There is no cost or registration required, and all are welcome. Please join us!
Monday, January 14 - Prenatal to Three Policy Forum
The policy engagement and action continues on the morning of January 14 at the University of St. Thomas with the next quarterly Prenatal to Three Policy Forum. This series, which I founded, brings together 200+ advocates, policymakers, and community members in this critical area. Sessions are also webcast. Details and registration are here.
Tips & Info: Energy Assistance, and Conserving Energy
Finally, you might be interested in some information provided by the state Department of Commerce. First, if you or someone you know is having difficulty paying for heating costs or furnace repairs, check out the Department’s page on the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program. It can help with energy bills, utility disconnections or fuel deliveries, or advocacy with power companies and human service providers.
Second, any family may benefit from the Department’s “ten tips to save energy during the holidays.” This guide has some great suggestions on how to save money on heating, especially when cooking or entertaining. For more energy saving tips, you can sign up for Commerce’s twice monthly Home Energy Tips here or see their complete Home Energy Guide here.
Thank you once more for the honor of serving our community again this coming term. I’ll look forward to connecting again in the New Year.
Dave Pinto
State Representative, District 64B
321 State Office Building
(651) 296-4199
www.house.leg.state.mn.us/64b
Subscribe to my email updates: www.house.leg.state.mn.us/64b
Follow my office on Facebook: facebook.com/repdavepinto