 Dear Neighbors, I hope this message finds you staying well and healthy. It’s been a busy month before session, and I’ve been doing a lot of work on the Public Safety Innovation Package, which has garnered media attention lately. I’ll detail that and other important happenings in Minnesota politics below.  Black Caucus Town HallLooking forward to the weekend, I am excited to participate in an extremely important conversation with my Black colleagues on inequities related to COVID-19. We will be hearing directly from constituents and community members about the pandemic’s effects on their lives, as well as sharing state resources and our thoughts on future legislation. We’ll also be hearing from R.N. Shirlynn LaChapelle, a nurse from our community who has an intimate understanding of these inequities. The goal of the event is to have an open, honest discussion about the effects of the pandemic on the Black community and the inequities in the healthcare system that have been made apparent during the ordeal. Register and submit questions in advance here: https://us06web.zoom.us/.../tZArceGspzkuHdJ_EyW... After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Facebook Event  The Public Safety Innovation PackageIt’s no secret that in this time of economic uncertainty and social instability, Minnesota is also facing a rise in crime. Like the wave in the 90’s, every time that you look at a major media publication, you can find some statement from conservative-minded leaders meant to stoke fear. It’s my belief that we need to move past the fear to realize the actual solutions for Minnesotans. I’m introducing the Public Safety Innovation Package this session, which would put $100 million of our state’s $7.7 billion surplus this year into local law enforcement, community crime prevention services, and other, non-partisan researched, solutions. I’ll be updating you throughout this process, and I hope that leaders within the Senate are willing to partner on this important proposal. StarTribune Op-Ed  Defend Our DemocracyOne year later, we know there are those who still seek to undermine our democracy and have bought into a dangerous lie. We need to protect our democracy by fighting to not only protect the vote, but to make voting more accessible and inclusive. I joined a group of 150 Minnesotans on the Capitol steps in the cold to talk about upholding everyone’s vision of free and fair elections. What happened last year was a tragedy, and we need to reflect back on it to move forward. StarTribune 1/6 Coverage  COVID-19 UpdateAs the COVID-19 Omicron variant continues to rapidly spread across the country and our state, health care workers continue to plead with folks to get vaccinated, boosted, wear a mask, and stay home when you’re not feeling well. Last week, the House Health Finance and Policy Committee held a remote hearing to discuss COVID-19’s status in Minnesota, including the Omicron variant and the pandemic’s impact on health care. Omicron is highly infectious, doubling every day-and-a-half to three days and as a result, health care system capacity continues to face pressure. Statewide test positivity is currently at 19.8%, the highest ever reported during the pandemic. We’re all tired as we reach the grim milestone of nearly two years since the pandemic began, but it’s critical we do our part to keep each other safe, and to protect hospital infrastructure and capacity. Thank you for all you continue to do to show our dedicated frontline workers we care. Speaking of our frontline workers, Minnesota is suffering with an emergency shortage of Certified Nursing Assistants. With a goal of 1,000 new CNA enrollees by the end of the month, the Office of Higher Education has launched a program to fund new students. Start a new career as a nursing assistant today and make a direct impact in your community. Free tuition, books, uniform, and exam. Learn more and find a program near you here. With the continued spread of Omicron, the Biden Administration just announced that every home in the US is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests, delivered to your door. I ordered the tests just yesterday, and it only took a couple of minutes. Order here. Video of House Health Policy Cmte 1/13  2022 Minnesota Climate Action PlanAs a member of the House Climate Action Caucus, I’m excited to let you know about the 2022 Minnesota Climate Action Plan that was announced this week. This plan is a science-based approach meant to address the climate crisis, lower energy costs, and create jobs and economic opportunity while ensuring that our state is a great place to live and work for current and future generations of Minnesotans. It’s a $1 billion ask of our $7.7 billion surplus, and it’s an investment that will only make things cheaper for us down the line. Climate Action Caucus Presser  Free Tax Filing HelpWhen you file your taxes this year, choose electronic filing. Last year, over 90 percent of Minnesota taxpayers filed their taxes electronically. Using electronic software is easy, convenient, and secure. Electronic filing also ensures that you have the most up-to-date forms and instructions when you file. Free electronic filing is available for Minnesotans who meet certain requirements. You may be eligible to file electronically for free if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $72,000 or less. To see if you are eligible for free electronic filing, see the Electronic Filing Software for Individuals (https://go.usa.gov/xpSuy) page on the department’s website. You may qualify for free tax preparation help for your federal and Minnesota income tax returns. To qualify, you must meet one of these criteria: be age 60 or older, have a disability, speak limited or no English, or have income less than $58,000 per year. There are over 170 free tax preparation sites across Minnesota where you can get help from IRS-certified volunteers. Most sites are open January 29 – April 15 and you can visit our website to find free tax preparation sites near you (https://go.usa.gov/xpSup by the end of January. Keep In TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.cedrick.frazier@house.mn or 651-296-4255. With Capitol remote operations continuing, email is the quickest way to get in touch. Thank you for the honor of representing our New Hope, Plymouth, and Crystal communities in St. Paul. Warmly, Cedrick Frazier
State Representative, District 45A
Minnesota House of Representatives  |