Dear Neighbors, The crispness in the air and the quiet buzz of pollinators is a gentle sign that fall is just around the corner. I’m gearing up for another school year teaching as I’m sure parents and students are preparing to check off items on the school supply list. School districts are already getting ready to provide universal free breakfast and lunch for students. Here are a couple of updates and resources from the State Capitol. ROCC Climbers' Back to School BashTomorrow from 12:00-4:00 p.m., the Residents of Color Collective will host their Back to School Backpack giveaway! Stop by Southview Acres Healthcare's front parking lot for free food, games, resources and fun. Back pack and school supply donations are still being accepted and can be dropped off with KaeJae at 189 Thompson Ave. E. Apt. 2, West Saint Paul, MN. More information is available at 612-293-8440 and here.  Rebate Check Delivery Begins this WeekThis year, the House and Senate included rebate checks for Minnesotans as a part of our approved, balanced two-year state budget. The legislation we passed provides payments to eligible Minnesotans of: - $520 for married couples filing a joint 2021 income or property tax return with adjusted gross income of $150,000 or less.
- $260 for all other individuals with 2021 adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less.
- Another $260 for each dependent, up to three dependents.
Direct deposit payments will go out first, followed by paper checks in the mail. The Minnesota Department of Revenue expects the nearly 2.1 million rebate payments to be initiated by the end of September. Please feel free to reach out to my office if you have questions or if you haven’t received your check by the end of next month. Local, State, and Federal Delegation Celebrate Veterans Memorial GroundbreakingServing on the State House Veterans Affairs committee in my first year at the Capitol has been an incredible honor and joy. I've especially enjoyed working with Dakota County area officials, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Representative Angie Craig to secure funding for the new Veterans Memorial Greenway.  Teamwork within local, state, and federal partnerships can result in great regional assets like these for our veterans. It's one small way to thank those who wear the uniform and defend our freedoms every day. You can learn more about this exciting project here. Inver Grove Heights & West Saint Paul Long-Term Care Facilities Receive New State Funding On August 1st, new funding was delivered to nursing homes across the state as a result of the investments we passed at the legislature during session. As Minnesota continues to recover from the pandemic, long term care facilities have continued to struggle to stay afloat. Locally, I was able to secure $ $1,030,348 for our area facilities: - $554,316 to Southview Acres Health Care Center in West Saint Paul.
- $271,152 to Woodlyn Heights Healthcare Center in Inver Grove Heights.
- $204,880 to Good Samaritan Society in Inver Grove Heights.
Older Minnesotans who rely on quality elder care deserve our support, which is why I was glad we were able to get this funding out the door quickly to keep that quality of care intact. You can read my full press statement here. Storm Damage ResourcesThe Minnesota Department of Commerce, which provides consumers with protections and enforces insurance laws for the State of Minnesota, offers Minnesotans guidance on steps to take when filing an insurance claim after storms damaged their home, business or other property in last Friday’s hail storm. The Department has a guide you can review at the Minnesota Department of Commerce Disaster Information Center. Key tips for filing insurance claims to your property: - Contact your insurance company immediately.
- Wait for the company’s adjuster before you or anyone starts working to remove or repair or replace property.
- Inventory your damage.
- Take notes of who you talk with and what they say from your insurance company, adjusters or repair services. Note dates, names and contact information.
- Avoid scammers or high-pressure sales tactics if you are contacted by someone you don’t know, such as salespeople going door-to-door in areas hit by storms.
Question or complaint about your insurance company? If you have questions, complaints or problems with your insurance company, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce Consumer Services Center: - By phone: 651-539-1600 or 800-657-3602
- By email: consumer.protection@state.mn.us.
Free State Park Entry Mark your calendars! On Saturday, September 9th all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas will offer free admission for everyone. It’s a great opportunity to get outside and explore someplace new, or revisit a favorite spot. You can find a map and more details here.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.mary.frances.clardy@house.mn.gov or 651-296-3353 with questions, input, or to let me know how I can provide assistance. It’s an honor to work with and for you at the Minnesota House! Have a great weekend. Forward, Mary Frances Clardy
State Representative |