Legislative Update – February 6, 2024
Dear Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who joined us last Saturday for our pre-session listening session in Minnetonka. It was great to hear from you on many issues, including democracy, the environment, and more!
In the past couple of weeks, I’ve also been able to meet with staff at the Hennepin County Service Center at Ridgedale, attend a Municipal Legislative Commission event to talk to our city partners, and attend Hopkins School’s legislative annual meeting with area legislators.
Electric Vehicle Rebates + More Energy Info
Last session, the Climate and Energy Committee, which I chair, passed an Electric Vehicle Rebate Program allowing residents to receive a rebate of up to $2,500 for a new EV purchase and $600 for a used purchase. Electric cars, plug-ins or hybrids purchased or leased on or after May 25, 2023, are eligible. Applications go live tomorrow, February 7th at 10:00 am, and you can find more information at https://mn.gov/evrebates.
The EV Rebate was just one of many programs we passed last year to reduce costs for families and protect our climate! You can find information on other programs, such as the Heat Pump Rebate program, Community Solar Gardens, and Home Energy Rebates, on the Department of Commerce’s New Energy Programs page.
Session Starting Next Week!
The 2024 Legislative Session will begin next Monday, February 12th. This year we will continue focusing on legislation to improve the lives of working families, supporting critical infrastructure projects, and more.
I will continue to serve as Chair of the House Climate and Energy Committee, and will also sit on the Health Committee, the Sustainable Infrastructure Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee. Last session, we passed the largest-ever investment in addressing climate change, and this session we will continue to look at ways we can reduce energy costs and encourage renewable energy development.
Lawns to Legumes Applications Open
Minnesota residents can now apply for fall 2024 Lawns to Legumes funding. The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources.
Anyone can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitat in their yards. Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you will need to reapply to be considered for fall 2024 funding.
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