Dear neighbors,
With less than two weeks remaining until the 2022 legislative session begins, my colleagues and I have started introducing our plans for the year. This week, we introduced plans to address the climate crisis and to expand economic opportunity for Minnesotans.
Climate Conversation
On Tuesday, I hosted a Climate Conversation for Eagan residents. A panel of legislators and climate experts discussed the health and justice implications of the climate crisis with community members and shared insights about technical and public policy solutions. The bottom line is that federal, state, and local action is needed. We all need to take action, and there is a lot each of us can do. Thank you to all who joined us!
2022 Climate Action Plan
House DFLers introduced a plan to address the climate crisis on Wednesday. It’s an ambitious, science-based plan that includes more than 30 investments we need for a sustainable future. Many of these investments will also create jobs and help Minnesotans save money.
There are some great proposals in the plan, and you can read about all of them here. I’m particularly excited about the $150 million investment in the Pre-Weatherization and Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps Minnesotans make their homes more energy efficient. I’m also excited about proposed programs that would make walking and biking safer and more accessible and help communities across Minnesota develop climate action plans.
2022 Economic Security Plan
Many people are still struggling and facing an uncertain future due to COVID-19. Yesterday, legislators announced a plan to address the urgent needs of Minnesotans and expand economic opportunity. It includes Paid Family & Medical Leave and Earned Sick & Safe Time, policies that give workers time to care for themselves and their loved ones. I spoke recently with small businesses about the value these policies would bring to them – allowing them to compete with large companies for top employees. Our plan would also increase the supply of safe and affordable housing, improve access to broadband, and support frontline workers. You can learn more about it here.
Advocating for Housing Assistance
Providing rental assistance to Minnesotans who are struggling financially is the single most effective way to prevent homelessness. On Tuesday, legislators joined Minnesotans to support the Bring It Home Minnesota bills, a package of legislation that would establish state-based rental assistance. Investing in this would save the state from spending on much more important programs – and avert untold trauma for families.
If you’d like to hear more of my thoughts on this, you can watch some of my remarks here.
Recognizing Martin Luther King Jr.
On Monday, I attended the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Action event in Lakeville. At the event, speakers, including me, acknowledged the need for all of us to take action, educate ourselves, get involved in the political process, and demand protections for our electoral system against those who would limit peoples’ freedom to participate in free and fair elections. You can watch the event here.
Visiting with Local Cub Scouts
I recently had the pleasure of talking with a group of Cub Scouts about government. They asked about why I ran for office and what I do as a representative. Then, we talked about the importance of ensuring people with disabilities are able to find accessible places to live. We focused especially on how to make bathrooms and kitchens work for people who use wheelchairs. The boys and girls had great questions and were wonderful to talk to!
Request Free COVID-19 Tests
As you may have seen, the federal government launched a website where people can order free COVID-19 tests this week. You can request four tests per household, and they will be shipped directly to your home. I encourage you to order tests and to spread the word to family and friends.
If you have questions or would like to share your ideas for the 2022 legislative session, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me by email at rep.liz.reyer@house.mn or call (651) 296-4128.
Sincerely,
Liz Reyer
State Representative