MMB Budget Forecast Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released a new budget forecast showing a projected balance of $7.7 billion for the current two-year budget cycle. Minnesota is in a strong economic position thanks to the sound economic management and investment in our communities led by DFL lawmakers. This forecast is broadly good news, but it highlights the fact that the COVID recession and ongoing economic recovery has hurt lower income and middle-class Minnesotans more, while benefiting them less. Now is our chance to fund the services that will spread this recovery across our state evenly, including priorities like affordable childcare, education, housing investment, and hero pay for pandemic workers. I will work hard to ensure our community benefits from this budget fairly while pushing for policies that will lift up the entire state.  Cold Weather Rule and Energy Assistance As the weather gets colder, here is some info you should keep in mind. Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (CWR), which is administered by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, protects residential utility customers from having electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1, 2021 and April 30. 2022. For more information, see the PUC’s Shutoff Protection page or call the PUC’s Consumer Affairs Office at 651-296-0406. You may qualify for the Energy Assistance Program. By submitting one application through the Energy Assistance Program, you could qualify for payments to cover both water and energy bills, and qualify for the Minnesota Weatherization Program. See the 2022 income guidelines and apply. COVID-19 Update The COVID-19 situation in Minnesota remains serious, with hospital admissions increasing and intensive care units nearing capacity. As a result, others needing emergency care – often for non-COVID related conditions – are forced to wait or travel elsewhere to receive care. Overwhelmingly, those with the most serious COVID illnesses admitted to hospitals are unvaccinated. Doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals working in hospitals are physically exhausted and emotionally drained. Leaders from Minnesota’s health care systems recently purchased a full-page ad pleading with Minnesotans to do their part to help end this crisis. If you haven’t yet, please get your COVID-19 vaccine and if you’re eligible, a booster shot. The vaccine is free, safe, and effective toward preventing community transmission. Perhaps most importantly, if you happen to contract COVID-19, the vaccine is remarkably effective in reducing the risk of serious illness or death. Also, wear a mask around others and if you have symptoms, stay home and get tested. Remote Undergraduate Internship Opportunity The House Sergeant-at-Arms Office will administer a remote Undergraduate Internship Program for the 2022 legislative session. The undergraduate internship program is structured around a focus on serving and learning. A sincere interest in public service is expected of all applicants for a House internship. A genuine desire to learn is also expected and in a dynamic and influential institution like the House, opportunities for learning abound. For a detailed description of the program click here. Stay in Touch Please reach out to my office if you need assistance with anything. I am best reached through email at rep.samantha.vang@house.mn or please contact my legislative assistant Josh, josh.kilgard@house.mn. I always appreciate hearing from you. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page here. Sincerely, Rep. Samantha Vang
651-296-3709
rep.samantha.vang@house.mn |