Neighbors, The 2022 Legislative Session convened this Monday, and we will continue our work focusing on helping Minnesotans impacted by the pandemic. With the projected $7.7 billion positive budget forecast, we have an opportunity to direct resources to many of our neighbors in our district and across the state who were deeply impacted the last two years. While there have been calls to send the entire surplus back to taxpayers, Minnesotans can experience a greater financial benefit by increasing access to healthcare, education, jobs, and recreation. The list goes on. Compromise is important but I will strongly advocate for investments in our communities to positively impact Minnesotans for decades. House DFLers recently announced Public Safety, Economic Security, Climate Action and Education plans to help Minnesotans recover and thrive. Committee Work Committees have begun to meet, and this week I invited local leaders to testify before the Transportation Committee on how Mankato and all of Greater Minnesota could benefit from the federal Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA). Their testimony highlighted the important investment in Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure. Prior to session, I heard from area direct care workers about the need to extend the COVID-19 workers comp presumption. In the Labor Committee, we heard a bill regarding the extension. By Thursday we had agreement with the Senate and the full House passed the measure with bipartisan support. Other workers impacted by this legislation include 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. This week I also met with substance use disorder (SUD) advocates on a bill that would expand services throughout Minnesota. Goals of the bill are to tackle relapse rates by taking a wholistic approach to SUD treatment and life for those following successful completion of treatment, including short term housing support and transportation. The bill will also address workforce issues. More to come on this in future updates. COVID-19 Update COVID-19 numbers are declining but the pandemic continues to persist throughout Minnesota. By getting vaccinated, tested, receiving your booster, and taking measures to keep yourself and your family safe, we can help continue to drive those numbers down, help our health care workers and keep each other safe. Families can now order up to 4 free COVID tests from the government. Go to https://www.covidtests.gov/ to get your test kits and many more resources. Black History Month If we don’t reflect, we can’t move forward. I’m grateful for the immeasurable contributions Black Minnesotans have made to Minnesota’s history.  Insulin Safety Net Program I encourage anyone struggling with insulin affordability to turn to a state program which will help with immediate need. In 2020, the Minnesota Legislature passed the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which Gov. Tim Walz signed into law. The Insulin Safety Net Program is made up of two parts: 1) The urgent need program for eligible Minnesotans to receive a once-per-year 30-day supply of insulin immediately at their pharmacy for no more than a $35 copay; and 2) The continuing need program for eligible Minnesotans to receive up to a year supply of insulin for no more than $50 per 90-day refill. Take a few minutes to watch Alec’s mom, Nicole Smith-Holt talk about the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program. ________ Stay connected with the Legislature I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn or can call my legislative assistant, Blake Wilcox, at 651-296-8803. 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 |