Dear Neighbors, I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting news about all the ways the state is investing in making this season one to remember! From refreshing outdoor adventures to vibrant festivals and cultural experiences, there's something for everyone in Minnesota this summer. DFLers invested in improvements to our parks and trails, making it easier than ever to get outside and enjoy the beautiful natural landscape. And for those seeking a dose of arts and entertainment, there's a packed calendar of events happening across the state from the metro to greater Minnesota. This e-update spotlights must-try summer activities, DFL investments enhancing your summer fun, and resources available to all Minnesotans. New Laws Now in Effect On July 1, some of the new policies and investments we passed at the State Capitol this year took effect, including $43 million to improve student literacy. We can make all the investments in education we want, but none of them will be impactful if our children are falling behind on reading.? Other highlights of the new laws include making sure our driver’s license exams utilize plain language, criminalizing the use of “deep fakes” to influence an election, and investing nearly $80 million in lottery proceeds towards more than 100 projects to protect Minnesota's natural resources. You can read about these new laws and more in this nonpartisan summary of what was enacted on July 1 or in this Fox9 News article: New Minnesota laws starting July 1 that could affect you. Accessibility for All at State Parks Thanks to the dedicated disability justice organizers in our state, all-terrain track chairs are now available at 13 Minnesota State Parks. Track chairs are all-terrain, electric-powered chairs that can be used on designated trails within the park. These chairs can help visitors explore areas of the state parks in new ways, often on trails that are not suitable for regular wheelchairs. Track chairs are available year-round in some locations, and seasonally in others. To reserve a chair, call the park you plan to visit.  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.  Tree Planting and Green Space in Minnesota The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded over $33 million to fund tree-planting projects across the state, part of a national $1.13 billion investment in 2023. Trees are vital for Minnesota's environment, cleaning our air, and preventing erosion. All Minnesotans, regardless of location, deserve the benefits of a healthy environment with access to trees and green spaces. Event Resources through Explore Minnesota Uncover Minnesota's hidden gems and exciting events all year long! Visit Explore Minnesota's website to discover what's happening across the state. From festivals to outdoor adventures, plan your next Minnesota experience today! Epic Minnesota Playgrounds If you're traveling with kids in tow, there’s no doubt you’ll end up at a playground or two during your trip. Some days, any playground will do, but if you’re looking for something more than a slide and a swing set, these awesome Minnesota playgrounds will inspire even the grownups to get in on the fun. Unlock your next playground adventure here!  Share your Input on Prescription Drug Pricing DFLers are interested in hearing from Minnesotans about how prescription drug prices impact their health care, what affordability concerns exist, and which drugs might benefit from pricing transparency. If you are interested in providing your insights, you can complete the Public Input on Prescription Drug Price Transparency in Minnesota form to share your experiences and help guide the Minnesota Department of Health’s ongoing drug price transparency work. Resources Housing and Utilities Support Micro Grant Program The Micro Grant Program assists Minnesota-based certified small businesses in increasing their business capacity by providing financial assistance for eligible business expenses. Through expanding their capacity and industry expertise, small businesses can compete more effectively on Minnesota Department of Transportation contracts. Applications re-open in September 2024. Sign up for MnDOT Civil Rights updates here. |