Dear Neighbors,
The 2022 legislative session will be over in less than a month, as the Minnesota Constitution requires. And over the last few weeks the House of Representatives has passed our House Position Omnibus bills, like the ones we’ve already passed below:
As Vice-Chair of the Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee, I was proud to see our bill pass the house floor. Minnesota should lead the way in resilient, sustainable farming, including new investments in emerging soil and water-friendly crops like Kernza. That is why our supplemental agriculture bill is focused on delivering new investments in farmers and food producers so we can maintain a strong Ag Economy. We also take measures to improve urban agriculture and to help new farmers and BIPOC Minnesotans get into the industry.
UI & Frontline Worker Pay Agreement
Last week, the legislature passed an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Frontline Worker bill into law. Replenishing the UI Trust Fund at $2.73 billion ensures UI benefits are available to workers in the future and that businesses across the state are held harmless from the effects of the pandemic. There will be no unemployment insurance tax rate hike for any businesses with the passing of this bill.
This law also provides $500 million for Frontline Worker Pay, which will provide bonus pay to frontline workers who have sacrificed during the pandemic to keep Minnesotans safe, healthy, fed, and cared for. Eligible workers include those from the health care, child care, school, food service, public transit, long-term care, building service, emergency response, retail, and manufacturing sectors. Frontline workers have had our backs for over two years during a global pandemic, and they deserve economic security.
New Energy Assistance Program
The Minnesota Commerce Department began a new Energy Assistance Program and encourages households that are struggling with energy bills to apply, 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.
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 at 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