Legislative Update- February 12, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

As of today, 617,896 Minnesotans have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 189,902 completing the series.

The Minnesota Department of Health indicated that Minnesota received almost 84,000 doses of the vaccine from the federal government this week. These will be divided up between our health care systems (39,800 doses), the Community Vaccination Program (7,000 doses), education and child care workers (10,000 doses), pharmacy partners (4,200 doses), local public health to finish Phase 1a (nearly 15,000 doses), tribal nations (3,000 doses), and the Department of Human Services for group homes (5,000 doses). More information is available on the COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard.

I continue to monitor the situation to ensure that we are moving as quickly as possible to get the vaccine out to all who want one.

Legislation Advancing

This week, my bill to protect critical school funding for our students received a public hearing in the Education Finance Committee. The bill would ensure that state education funding at least keeps up with inflation, something that hasn’t always happened. In fact, after adjusting for inflation, state funding for education is lower today than it was in 2003! The result is higher property taxes and bigger class sizes.  All Minnesota kids deserve a world class education, and my bill will help make that happen.

I am also pleased to share that my legislation, the Clean Energy First bill is heading to the House floor for a vote. This measure will speed and smooth the transition to renewable energy in Minnesota and help fight climate change. I’m looking forward to presenting this bill on the House Floor soon.

Here are some resources from the Minnesota Department of Commerce I thought you might find useful:

Missing Money/Unclaimed Property

As the result of successful legislation in recent years that is now law, the Minnesota Department of Commerce has in place a secure site that allows Minnesotans to check on their unclaimed property. Common types of unclaimed property can include:

• Dormant bank accounts
• Uncashed checks
• Unclaimed wages
• Insurance claim payments or benefits
• Stocks or bonds
• Safe deposit boxes

If you, or someone you know has left a job or moved, this may be of interest to you! The Department is responsible for safeguarding the funds until claimed by the rightful owners. Check to see if you have missing money waiting for you here.

Energy Assistance Program (EAP)

Help is available for Coon Rapids and Champlin families struggling with utility bills, to repair or replace homeowners’ malfunctioning furnaces, and to purchase fuel for delivery in emergencies. Homeowners and renters with young children, people with disabilities, veterans, seniors and those experiencing unemployment or financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are especially encouraged to apply.

In 2020, the EAP helped nearly 118,000 Minnesota households. New applicants have until May 31, 2021 to apply, however funding is limited and administered on a first-come, first-served basis. More information is available from the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Additionally, the state’s Cold Weather Rule is in effect until April 15 which prevents utility shut-offs if you sign up for a payment plan with your energy provider. More information on these protections is available from the Public Utilities Commission.

Keep in Touch

Please contact me anytime with questions, ideas, or feedback. Don’t hesitate to let me know how I can be of assistance at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn or 651-296-5513.

Thank you for the honor of serving you and your family in the Minnesota House.

Sincerely,

Zack Stephenson

State Representative