Legislative Update – August 14, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you are all doing well and enjoying these summer months. I have been attending events like Night to Unite, meetings of our local chambers of commerce, and volunteering with my fellow Minnesota Rotarians on Mulch Madness Day! There is so much good work being done in our communities and I am glad to be a part of it!
I also wanted to share a digital version of my 2023 Legislative Report, where you can read more about this session and the laws I authored. Whether it was addressing and combatting climate change, passing common-sense gun violence prevention measures, or making our health care system more affordable to all, this session I am proud of the work we did for Minnesota.
Recommendation for Environmental Projects
This year I had the honor of serving on the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), a panel made up of legislators and citizens that make funding recommendations for projects that help maintain and enhance our state’s environment and natural resources.
Throughout the summer, we met to consider 218 proposals including habitat restoration projects, research into native plants and animals, clean water projects, and more. We narrowed down that list to 101 projects and passed our recommendations with a bipartisan supermajority vote. You can find a list of those projects, which will be considered by the full legislature next year, at this link.
Energy-Specific Funding Opportunities
In my last update, I provided information I had about some of the programs we passed in our 2023 Climate and Energy Budget. Today I wanted to share more information from the Department of Commerce on state funding opportunities for clean energy projects, including community solar gardens, heat pump rebates, and more.
The Department’s New Energy Programs page joins with the existing Federal Funding Opportunities page to provide additional insight for Minnesotans on new state funding for energy opportunities and programs. Details on the new rebates, grants, and other programs will be added to the site as the programs are developed by Commerce to make those funds accessible to all Minnesotans. Bookmark this new page for future reference: New Energy Programs / Minnesota Department of Commerce - Energy (mn.gov)
League of Minnesota Cities
I am proud to be listed as one of the League of Minnesota Cities 2023 Legislators of Distinction. As a former council member, I know the importance of listening to our partners on the local level, and this session we were able to pass bills that will help our cities thrive! Read more here.
Staying in touch
Please reach out if you have any questions or feedback you would like to share. You can contact me by email at rep.patty.acomb@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-9934.
Sincerely,
Patty Acomb
State Representative