Dear Neighbors,
The 2022 Legislative Session begins this coming Monday! With an ongoing pandemic, a budget surplus, redistricting, and bonding projects on the table throughout our state, it’s sure to be a busy session. In addition to chairing the House Judiciary Finance & Civil Law Committee, I’ll be sure to keep you updated on major developments that will impact our community.
House Climate Action Plan
As one of the fastest warming states in the country, Minnesota is already experiencing impacts of climate change. We need to act boldly to prevent irreversible and potentially catastrophic consequences. This science-based plan, developed by members of the House Climate Action Caucus, will help address the climate crisis while creating jobs and reducing costs for Minnesotans. At a glance, the plan includes:
- Investing in solar, cutting-edge energy initiatives, and Greater Minnesota renewable development.
- Bus rapid transit lines, bike/pedestrian infrastructure, and electric vehicle promotion.
- Weatherization and efficiency efforts, and other efforts to improve the carbon impact of our built environments.
- Conservation of natural lands and natural greenhouse sequestration methods.
I look forward to working with my colleagues to make this package a reality.
Aid for Main Street Businesses
A second round of the Main Street Economic Revitalization Program will launch Thursday, January 27, 2022. This $80 million statewide economic redevelopment program will award grants to establish programs targeting specific main streets and commercial corridors that will, in turn, fund economic development and redevelopment projects. A total of $41 million will be available in this second round of funding.
Proposals will be accepted from eligible partner organizations, which include foundations engaged in economic development; community development financial institutions; and nonprofit organizations engaged in housing and commercial development. Request for proposals (RFPs) will open at 3 p.m. on January 27 and be due by 4 p.m. February 28.
DEED will hold an information session to provide more information about this program on February 8, at 11:00 a.m.
Certified Nursing Assistants Needed
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated long-term staffing pressures across our health care infrastructure. Today, in response to the severe staffing shortages facing long-term care facilities, 400 National Guard members are deployed throughout the state to provide emergency staffing. Their service is truly admirable, but they are acting as a temporary, emergency solution to a structural workforce challenge facing our state.
To beat this shortage we need 1,000 Minnesotans to answer the call and join the next generation of health care workers. If you become a certified nursing assistant today, your costs will be covered. Including free tuition, books, uniform, & exam. Learn more & enroll today.
COVID-19 Vaccine Incentives
Governor Tim Walz announced the launch of the next phase of the ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ vaccine incentive program to encourage families in Minnesota to get their kids 5- to 11-years-old fully vaccinated against COVID-19. It is paramount that we vaccinate our children so they can learn in person as much as possible. You can learn more about the ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ program here. Here are some important details on the incentives:
- Families in Minnesota who get their 5 to 11 year olds fully vaccinated in January and February can get a $200 Visa gift card. To be eligible, kids in Minnesota ages 5-11 must receive their first and second dose between January 1 and February 28. Registration will open at 10:00am on January 24, 2022 and close at 11:59pm on February 28, 2022. Learn more here.
- Later this spring, there will be drawings for five $100,000 Minnesota college scholarship drawings for all 5-11 year olds who are fully vaccinated. Details will be released soon.
Families in Minnesota can visit mn.gov/vaxforkids to find local vaccine clinics. Families can also check with their pediatrician, family medicine clinic, or local pharmacy about appointments. In addition, please be sure to watch for vaccination clinics being offered at schools or other community locations around Minnesota.
New Testing Site in St. Paul
A new St. Paul COVID-19 testing site providing up to 1,000 nasal swab PCR tests per day opened on Tuesday, Jan. 25 at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Building. The site will be free and open to anyone daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will operate through Feb. 14. The address is:
MNDOT Building
395 John Ireland Boulevard
St. Paul, MN 55155
Ramsey County Healthcare Event
Ramsey County is hosting a 14 Days of Healthcare Event: January 18-31, 2022. It is an On-Line Career Fair, you can learn more and sign up here. You can learn more about health care month and apply for jobs here.
Free Tests
The federal government is now offering free at-home COVID-19 tests to every household. As the COVID-19 omicron variant continues to spread across our state, testing frequently and isolating if positive are some of the best preventative measures after getting vaccinated. Get your free tests here.
Stay in Touch
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance or if you have questions or feedback that you’d like to share. You can follow me on Facebook and you can reach me by email at rep.jamie.becker-finn@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-7153.
Sincerely,
Jamie Becker-Finn
State Representative