Future Caucus Innovation FellowshipAs an active member of the Future Caucus, the nation’s largest bipartisan organization of Millenial and GenZ lawmakers, I am thrilled to have been selected as a fellow in the Prenatal to Three Innovation Fellowship. I traveled to DC last week for a forum on strategic thinking and will be partnering with colleagues across the country to implement future-focused solutions here in Minnesota. I also visited the Museum of the American Indian as November is Native American History Month, toured George Washington’s home (and presidential library) at Mount Vernon, and met one of my favorite actresses and activists, Sophia Bush, at the Rising Star Awards.  Home Maintenance and Improvements for EP!The City of Eden Prairie is offering zero-interest, deferred loans up to $15,000 for low and moderate-income households to maintain, repair, and improve their Eden Prairie homes through their Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program. Eligible improvements include repairs necessary to make your home a safer, more energy-efficient place to live. This includes new roofs, siding, windows, electrical, plumbing, heating, and insulation. You can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply here! If you have been considering going solar, now is the time! Here in Minnesota, solar energy is the fastest-growing source of electricity. Our school system is a leader in solar energy nationwide, which will help us reach our goal of 100% Carbon-Free Electricity by 2040! In 2024, we passed the Minnesota Infrastructure Permitting Act, which reduces permitting time and costs to accelerate our clean energy transition. To learn more about how to make a solar plan for your home and the tax incentives available, click here! Banning Forever ChemicalsDuring the 2023 and 2024 sessions, I authored and advocated for legislation to ban harmful forever chemicals known as PFAS from consumer goods in Minnesota, especially in products our kids come into contact with every day. As of January 1, 2025, these laws will go into effect and require new products sold or distributed in 11 categories be made without PFAS. Categories include: - carpets or rugs, including outdoor carpet and car floor mats
- cleaning products, including detergents and stain removers
- cookware
- cosmetics
- dental floss
- fabric treatments
- juvenile products, including car seats, children’s clothing, and toys for children under 12
- menstruation products, including tampons and disposable and reusable pads
- ski wax
- textile furnishings, including draperies, bedding, and towels
- upholstered furniture
Make sure to refresh vital items like cosmetics and menstrual products after the new year to ensure that you and your family are saying no to PFAS!  Continuing the Fight for Affordable Child CareA few weeks ago, I had the chance to visit one of the many great locations of the Minnesota Child Care Association (MCCA). Here in Minnesota, DFLers invested heavily in childcare and early learning programs for low-income Minnesotans so that all kids can get the great start they deserve. However, there is still a gap in access for too many middle-income families whose household incomes are too high to qualify for programs but too low to be able to afford quality care for their littles. That’s why I’m committed to continuing the fight for childcare affordability so that every child in Minnesota can have the great start they deserve. Eden Prairie Schools had been on the waitlist for Voluntary Pre-K funding which is available for families now. This has been a priority of mine since 2018 and I’m proud to see it come to fruition. Click here to learn more about eligibility and how to apply!  |