Dear neighbor,
On Tuesday, 133 new and returning legislators gathered at the Capitol for the first day of the 2017 legislative session. I am honored to be a member of the 90th session of the House of Representatives and to represent my neighbors in St. Paul. With the support of our communities I am ready to listen, learn, and get to work to ensure that our families, communities and all of Minnesota thrive.
Committees have been assigned and there is so much to learn! I am thrilled to have been assigned to these three committees: Education Innovation Policy; Agriculture Policy; and State Government Finance.
I would like to use these electronic updates to periodically send news and items of interest that may pertain to our communities from the Capitol. Please feel free to share my web page, www.house.mn/41b , with your neighbors who may also like to be in the know.
The cold weather is upon us! Many of you may find that the cost of heating your homes will rise alarmingly. Fortunately, there is help for those of us who find this an additional financial burden.
Do you know that:
In Minnesota, utilities cannot turn off a resident’s primary source of heat from October 15 through April 15 unless the utility sends the resident the following:
- a proposed disconnection notice; an explanation of the customer’s rights and responsibilities;
- a list of energy assistance providers;
- a form for the customer to declare an inability to pay;
- and details on available payment plans and other ways to secure heat service.
Some people can qualify for additional shut off protections if:
- the household income is less than 50% of the state’s median income;
- the household enters into and follows a payment plan;
- and the customer receives information on weatherizing their home,
- or a conversation sharing other programs that can help reduce a resident’s energy bill.
If you or someone you know may benefit from these protections, please call the energy provider for more details or visit: http://mn.gov/puc/consumers/shut-off-protection/index.html.
Please feel free to reach out me with your questions, comments, and concerns by email at rep.mary.kuneshpodein@house.mn or phone me at my office, 651-296-4331.
Sincerely,
Mary Kunesh-Podein
State Representative