Dear neighbor,
The second week of the 2024 legislative session is in the books! It is an honor to represent you at the Capitol, and this session is off to an encouraging start! I spent the week bouncing between committee meetings, rallies, constituent meetings, and the House Floor.
As a reminder, I serve on the following committees:
Advocates at the Capitol
My favorite thing to do at the Capitol is meet with the folks I represent. Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of meeting with constituents from Faith in Minnesota, who stopped by my office to voice their support of a public option health plan.
Lots of Committee Hearings!
This week I presented five of my bills in different committees. In the Human Services Policy Committee, I presented my bill House File 3445, which would create a continuous improvement study of access to disability services. The process for accessing disability services is very difficult, and this bill is the first step to finding real solutions to making our state more accessible.
Also in Human Services Policy Committee, I presented House File 3419. MAE-PD is a program that allows persons with disabilities to work and to pay a premium based on their income to access medical assistance. The formula for that premium has never been updated, and we’re now hearing concerns from people who are unable to make payments as a result. My bill would help ensure that people would still be able to access their health care if they were unable to make a payment.
You can keep track of all my bills and their progress here.
Innovation Large Grants Program
The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Disability Services Division, is seeking proposals from qualified applicants to support innovative strategies to improve outcomes for people with disabilities. They will give priority to proposals to serve people eligible for, or who receive, home and community-based services.
There are opportunities for large and small grants, and the application window is open through February 29 for large grants, and April 5 for small grants. You can find out more information here.
PACT Act and your VA Benefits
The PACT Act is a new law expanding VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps the VA provide generations of Veterans and their survivors with the care and benefits they have earned and deserve. You can learn more about the PACT Act and how to file a claim by clicking here.
Stay Connected with the Legislature
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