Neighbors, I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday. I spent the day with loved ones and am grateful for my dear family, good friends, and the opportunity to serve you at the Capitol! Waiver Gift CardIf you have applied for Minnesota home and community-based waiver services, let us know about your experience – and get a $125 gift card!  Minnesota Values ProjectAlmost 7 years ago, the Minnesota House DFL started the Minnesota Values Project (also known as MVP) -- a partnership between Minnesotans, elected officials, and organizations to create a shared vision of the future for our state. Working together, we have strengthened our communities by improving education opportunities, making affordable health care a reality, and increasing economic prosperity for all Minnesotans. Through this project, we have facilitated hundreds of meaningful conversations with people across all of Minnesota about their priorities. We are continuing this work and want to engage with as many Minnesotans as possible. Looking ahead to the 2024 legislative session, we want to hear more perspectives and feedback from Minnesotans. As part of this effort, you are invited to take the new Minnesota Values Project survey. The survey only takes a few minutes, and as we build a shared vision for our state, your input is crucial in this process. You can take the survey by scanning the QR code, or by clicking this link. We look forward to hearing from you.  In the CommunityI was recently honored to be inducted into the Reading Center Hall of Fame, with my colleague, Rep. Heather Edelson. As a person with dyslexia, and a Reading Center alumnus, I know the importance of reading science. That is why I was the second author of the Read Act, and I am committed to improving educational access for all students. I know firsthand the challenges of learning to read with dyslexia. But I also know with the right support, anyone can become a skilled reader. That is why I am so passionate about the Read Act, which provides funding for evidence-based reading programs. I believe all students have the potential to succeed, regardless of their learning challenges. I am committed to working with advocates and my colleagues at the Capitol to make sure every student can reach their full potential.  I joined our teachers for an informational picket during their contract negotiations to show my support for their hard work and dedication.  Energy Assistance ProgramThe cold weather is a reminder of the importance of having reliable electricity and heat. Open now until May 31, 2024, the Energy Assistance Program helps pay energy bills for eligible Minnesotans. This 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. Free Covid TestsThis fall, Minnesotans will once again be able to order free rapid-antigen COVID tests through the federal government’s at-home testing program. Each household can order up to four tests to be delivered directly to your home. These tests are intended to be used by the end of this year and will begin shipping this week. For more information or to place your order, you can visit COVIDTests.gov. Stay Connected with the LegislatureDuring the legislative interim, 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 find my information on my House website. You can also like my Facebook page, and follow me on Twitter. It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Kim Hicks State Representative |