Dear Neighbors, December is here and the holiday season is in full swing. I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy this festive time of the year. When the legislature is not in session, I'm helping the next generation of teachers grow, thrive, and become the best version of themselves in the classroom. Today's assignment brought me to Garlough Environmental Magnet School, where we traveled to Dodge Nature Center. The school has a partnership with the center and a naturalist came along today to teach. The kindergartners also had fun learning about word structure and expression. Watching the students AND new teachers share in the learning and training is so rewarding and I'm grateful to help shape positive outcomes for them in the future.  With the cold settling in, I want to share a reminder about the Energy Assistance Program we have in Minnesota. From now until May 31, 2024, this program can help with energy bill assistance for eligible Minnesotans. This Energy Assistance Program is free and provides benefits up to $1,400, with additional support to respond to emergencies. Both renters and homeowners can qualify, and eligibility is based on income and household size. This program is federally funded and administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. You can access the application materials here.  Catalytic Converter Theft DecliningSince the pandemic, catalytic converter theft has been steadily on the rise nationally, causing financial hardship and headaches to Minnesotans having to replace them. This year, Minnesota was one of 42 states to enact a new law with stronger penalties for catalytic converter theft, including policy measures that make it more difficult for thieves to sell back these stolen auto parts to scrap dealers. This week, the Pioneer Press reported how this is impacting our capital city with theft rates trending downwards. We’re also seeing a decline statewide due to increased metal prices.  I’ve heard from many neighbors in our region about the urgency and need to address this growing problem, and I’m glad we were able to pass a strong, bipartisan bill to help bring these theft rates down. Public Safety Investments in Mendota HeightsRelated to public safety, I was glad to host the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee in Mendota Heights at the Police Department last month as a part of the committee’s statewide tour to see project requests to help improve local infrastructure. Mendota Heights has done a phenomenal job providing essential public safety services to residents, especially with catalytic converter theft, which is why I'm carrying the City's request to expand and update its police department.  I'm grateful to the committee for stopping by our community to see firsthand the good work Chief McCarthy and her team are delivering for us. Keep in TouchPlease continue to contact my office anytime with questions, input, or ideas. Due to technical constraints, emails replied to this email will not reach my inbox. Please send me an email directly at rep.mary.frances.clardy@house.mn.gov or give me a call at 651-296-3533. The legislative session is slated to begin on February 12. Your comments are important to me. Thank you for the honor of representing our Inver Grove Heights, West Saint Paul, Mendota Heights, Lilydale, and Sunfish Lake neighbors at the State Capitol. Forward, Mary Frances Clardy
State Representative |