Neighbors, Last Friday, the United States Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe vs. Wade in a landmark 6-3 decision. I sent the following statement: “Women and their doctors should make decisions about private health matters, not politicians. Overturning Roe is an egregious act with long term health care implications for everyone. I will continue working to maintain the protections Minnesota has implemented and will fight any attempts by extreme politicians to double-down on slashing reproductive rights.” New laws take effect July 1, 2022 Several new laws passed during the 2022 session will take effect July 1, 2022. Summaries of all laws passed by the 2022 Legislature are available online from nonpartisan House Public Information Services. You can read more here. In the Community On Monday, I met with Partners for Housing representatives to address housing needs in our community and across the state. Some funding they receive from the state will end this fall unless new legislation is passed. I agree with Mankato’s business and city leaders a special session is needed to address critical issues which include housing. It’s unfortunate this important funding is getting blocked by Senate Republican legislators who do not see the urgency in holding a special session when we are so close to agreements on many of our supplemental budget bills.  Partners in Housing supports people experiencing homelessness in our region and operates three homeless shelters. They also own and operate transitional and permanent housing options. Supporting our Veterans This session, lawmakers came together to pass a Veterans and Military Affairs bill supporting those who’ve courageously served our nation. The bill invests significant new funding to address veteran homelessness. It also includes two provisions I authored - additional funding for Minnesota’s three veterans’ cemeteries and enlistment incentives for members of the Minnesota National Guard. The budget also includes funding to recognize post-9/11-era veterans – and Gold Star Families – with service bonuses of up to $2,000. There are approximately 48,000 eligible veterans, over half of whom deployed to combat operations including those in Afghanistan or Iraq. We have long a history of awarding service bonuses to Minnesota Veterans who served in America’s wars. Starting in 1919 after World War I, through World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and now the Global War on Terrorism. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is facilitating the program. The application period will begin on July 7, and you can learn more here. July 22nd Deadline to Apply for Frontline Worker Bonus Frontline workers have three weeks to apply for a bonus of up to $750. Money set aside for this program will be split equally among all approved applicants. We all are very appreciative of those who put themselves in harm’s way during the height of the pandemic and encourage them to apply if eligible and to spread the word to friends and family. COVID-19 Update Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order a third round of free at-home COVID-19 tests. Click here to place your order. You can also call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). More COVID-19 updates are available through the Minnesota Department of Health website, or the U of M Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). ____________ HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!  _________________ 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. I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn or can call my legislative assistant, Seth Gellman, 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 |