I’m honored to continuing serving as the vice chair of the Health Finance and Policy Committee, in addition to working on the Capital Investment, Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Committees, and the Local Government Division. The House has released proposals to take on issues that have been brought on or worsened by the pandemic, and ones that existed long before COVID-19. We’ve already unveiled our priorities in the areas of Economic Security, Public Safety, Education, and Climate Action, and these are just the start. Ensuring our working families, students, seniors, and small businesses have support now, and have the opportunity to bounce back and thrive post-pandemic is my primary focus. As always, I welcome your input on important priorities to you and our community. Workers’ Comp for Frontline WorkersLate last week, the House and Senate passed a bipartisan measure to extend the law providing a presumption that if public safety or health care workers contract COVID-19, they did so during their employment and are covered by workers’ compensation. The legislation passed on a vote of 124-8.  The previous law allowing for this presumption expired on December 31, 2021. The new bill would extend the presumption to January 13, 2023, and will impact firefighters; peace and police officers; paramedics; EMTs; health care providers, nurses or assistive employees in a health care, home care or long-term care setting who work with COVID-19 patients; correctional officers or security counselors at correctional facilities; and childcare providers who are required to provide childcare for the children of first responders and health care workers under the Governor’s Executive Orders. These are Minnesotans who keep us safe and healthy, quite often in times of crisis, and we can’t turn our backs on them as our state continues to deal with COVID-19. I was glad to help pass this extension with strong bipartisan support. Public Safety Listening SessionThis Wednesday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m., I’m hosting a Public Safety Listening Session at Robert Trail Library (14395 S Robert Trail, Rosemount, MN 55068). Community members will have an opportunity to share concerns, ask questions, and provide input on how the legislature can deliver safety enhancements to the South Metro. This will be an opportunity to engage in a productive, and solutions-based dialogue with neighbors. In accordance with Dakota County Library’s COVID-19 response, all library visitors, two years and older will be required to wear masks regardless of their vaccination status.  We’ll also live stream the event on my Rep. Huot Facebook page. Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.john.huot@house.mn to share input, ask questions or let me know how I can help. I appreciate hearing from you. I hope to see you on Wednesday. Stay warm today, John |