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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Andrew Carlson (DFL)

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Legislative Update - January 6th, 2017

Friday, January 6, 2017

Dear neighbors,

 

On Tuesday, legislators gathered at the newly renovated Minnesota Capitol for the first day of the 2017 session. It is truly a privilege to represent Bloomington and work towards our shared goals of building an economy that works for everyone, investing in education, and keeping our communities safe.

 

Through the session I plan to send updates from the Capitol containing legislative information that might be helpful to you or your neighbors. If you think someone else might be interested in receiving these updates they can sign up at my webpage at: www.house.mn/50b.

 

Yesterday on the House Floor I voted for $21.7 million in tax relief that over 220,000 Minnesotans will benefit from. The legislation will also streamline Minnesota’s tax code making it easier for people to file their taxes in Minnesota this year.

 

With the current cold weather it is important to remember Minnesota’s cold weather laws. In Minnesota, utilities cannot turn off a resident’s primary source of heat from October 15th through April 15th unless the utilities sends the resident the following:

 

  • A proposed disconnection notice.
  • An explaining of the customer’s rights and responsibilities.
  • A list of energy assistance providers.
  • A form for the customer to declare an inability to pay.
  • Details on available payment plans and other ways to secure heat service.
 
If you know someone who may benefit from more information on energy assistance encourage them to call their energy provider for more details or they can learn more at http://mn.gov/puc/consumers/shut-off-protection/index.html.
 

I welcome your suggestions or comments on the legislative session. I can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4218, by mail at 211 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155, or via email at rep.andrew.carlson@house.mn.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Andrew Carlson

State Representative