Dear Neighbors,

As hospitalizations and new COVID-19 cases decline and Minnesota makes progress vaccinating educators, Governor Walz updated Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan to allow more middle and high school students to return to the classroom. Beginning February 22, all middle and high school students can return to the classroom for hybrid or in-person learning. Governor Walz expects all schools to offer their students some form of in-person learning by March 8.

As a legislator and parent, I support any careful and thoughtful plan to safely reopen middle and high schools. Minnesota has the resources to invest in our students at a time when its needed most, and I have this on my mind as the legislature begins its work to build and balance our two-year budget.

Legislative Survey

Lifting up our communities’ voices is central to my work for you in the Legislature. I’d like your feedback on issues that may be discussed this current legislative session. To share your thoughts on issues facing our state, please take my survey here.

Legislation to Watch in the House

HF 801 Enhancing Prescription Drug Affordability: This bill creates a state board to regulate prescription drug prices with the overall goal of increasing affordability and accessibility to Minnesotans. The bill has its first stop in the House Commerce Committee today.  

HF 37 Securing Workers Compensation for School Workers: My legislation to ensure school workers can access workers compensation if they contract COVID-19 is gaining momentum. With the recent outbreak among Bloomington school district bussing staff, this is especially timely. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Labor, Industry, Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy and I look forward to advancing this important economic security measure.

HF 600 Legalizing Adult-Use Cannabis: Adult-use cannabis legalization has its first committee stop today in the House Commerce Committee. Read more about the bill from KSTP’s coverage here.

Missing Money/Unclaimed Property

As a result of successful legislation our very own Commissioner Joe Atkins worked on when he was a state legislator, the Minnesota Department of Commerce has developed a secure site that allows Minnesotans to check on their unclaimed property. Common types of unclaimed property can include:

• Dormant bank accounts
• Uncashed checks
• Unclaimed wages
• Insurance claim payments or benefits
• Stocks or bonds
• Safe deposit boxes

If you, or someone you know has left a job or moved, this may be of interest to you! The Department is responsible for safeguarding the funds until claimed by the rightful owners. Check to see if you have missing money waiting for you here.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime with questions or input at rep.john.huot@house.mn. Your feedback is important, so please never hesitate to contact me.

Enjoy the warm up this week.

Sincerely,

John