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Neighbors,
Speaker Hortman has appointed me to the Transportation budget bill conference committee. Transportation touches the lives of all Minnesotans. From good roads and bridges to transit, we need to ensure people can travel safely and efficiently every day. As a freshman legislator, it is a great honor to have been selected to work with my colleagues on the House/Senate compromise measure, and I am looking forward to help craft a final bill aiming for a balanced plan to serve every Minnesotan in all corners of the state.
More Budget Bills Advance
We have completed passage of our budget bills. Late last week, we approved the Agriculture, Commerce/Energy, Taxes and Environment budgets. Yesterday, we passed the Health and Human Services budget after several hours of debate. It has been an intense couple of weeks spent on the House floor approving a budget focused on helping Minnesotans get through the pandemic and to thrive after this unprecedented public emergency. Our budget meets current challenges and envisions a better future for everyone.
We will continue to meet in regular floor sessions to pass other measures. You can watch our live floor sessions here and follow the daily legislative schedules here.
Rent Assistance Now Available
New funds are now available to help renters and housing providers who continue to struggle during these challenging economic times. RentHelpMN has opened for applications, making it possible for low- and moderate-income renters to get caught up on overdue rent and utilities dating back to March 13, 2020. It also makes provisions for those at risk of falling behind on rent payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vaccination Update
The most recent data released shows more than 2.4 million Minnesotans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Since vaccine eligibility has expanded, more Minnesotans are getting appointments every day.
In order to return to the activities we enjoy, I am encouraging you to check out Minnesota’s COVID-19 mn.gov/vaccineconnector, call 833-431-2053 or contact your health insurance carrier to help you find out when, where, and how to get a vaccine.
You can learn the most recent statistics about who is getting vaccinated, and other key data, by clicking on this link.
SURVEY
Please share your legislative priorities by completing my legislative survey before Friday. Your name and address are requested to make sure only constituents and district residents are weighing in directly. Thank you for your time and I appreciate your input! [This survey was created prior to the February forecast announcement and question #3 does not reflect the current one-time $1.6 billion projected positive balance].
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Stay connected with the Legislature
The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website.
I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn or can also call my legislative assistant, Joe Lenczewski at 651-296-5486.
Also, please visit and “like” my Facebook page for more Capitol and community updates.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Luke Frederick
State Representative
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