Dear Neighbors,
I hope your summer is off to a great start. This past legislative session was truly one for the books. Together, we made historic strides on issues that matter most to Minnesotans. From tackling gun violence to expanding access to quality healthcare, we fought for a brighter future for all.
I'm incredibly proud of the progress we've made, but there's always more work to be done. Let's keep the momentum going – I'm committed to working alongside you to address the rising cost of living and ensure economic security for working families.
Here are a few things I wanted to bring to your attention:
Pride Town Hall
Our SD 66 delegation will host a town hall meeting, today, Thursday, June 20 from 6pm-7:30pm. We will discuss the 2023-2024 legislative session, the most consequential two-year session in state history in addition to covering topics around Pride month and legislative efforts to advance LGBTQIA2S+ protections in Minnesota.
After a thorough review, we'll open up the floor for constituent questions and feedback.
Here are the details:
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Date: Thursday, June 20, 2024
Location: RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/66pridetownhall
Everyone is welcome to this non-partisan town hall event. We look forward to seeing you there!
If you have any question or need accommodations, please reach out to my legislative assistant at Robin.Mercer-Taylor@house.mn.gov or 651-296-3869.
Minnesota Promise Act
The Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) will be accepting applications for the PROMISE Act Grants Program from today, June 3, 2024, to June 30, 2024. The application process is NOT first come first served, so there is no preference for funding given to those who apply earlier in that time frame compared to later. So, it is much more important that applicants take their time to ensure their application is complete, than it is to submit their application quickly. This is the first of four rounds of funding that will be offered through 2025.
There are many application resources available. The Get Ready Workshops walks through everything business owners need to know about applying for a PROMISE Act Grant. Events are virtual and scheduled throughout June. Additional dates will be added. There is also an Application Preparation worksheet available on their website and as a download. Downloadable worksheets in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali will be available soon. If applicants have questions while completing the application, have a support request, have a technical issue in the application, they should complete a Support Request.
NDC staff and their partners continue to work hard in the community to share information about the PROMISE Act Grants Program. Additional support for applicants, including language support in Hmong, Somali, Spanish, and Oromo, computer access, and application assistance will be available, and details will be shared with PROMISE Act Grants Newsletter subscribers and through our website, and will be sent to you via email as they are announced. These resources continue to be the best sources of information for business owners in our district who may be eligible to apply for a grant.
Lawns to Legumes Funding
Do you want your lawn to be more pollinator-friendly? Minnesota residents can now apply for spring 2025 Lawns to Legumes funding. The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching, and gardening resources.
Anyone can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitats in their yards. Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you must reapply to be considered for spring 2025 funding.
Apply online at Blue Thumb’s website. For more information about Lawns to Legumes, visit BWSR’s website.
Stay connected
Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call or email any time. You can follow my new Facebook page or contact my office.
It’s an honor to represent our community in the Minnesota House.
Sincerely,
Leigh Finke
State Representative – 66A
Committee Assignments:
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Human Services Policy
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Legacy Finance
Legislative Assistant
Robin Mercer-Taylor
robin.mercer-taylor@house.mn.gov