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Legislative News and Views - Rep. JoAnn Ward (DFL)

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Legislative Update - December 4, 2017

Monday, December 4, 2017

Dear neighbors,

 

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family. This year I reconnected with loved ones, and reflected on the core values that are important to our community—which make Minnesota such a special place to live.

 

Carver Elementary receives award outstanding academic achievement-AGAIN!

Over the last decade, Carver Elementary has gone from a school that regularly fell short of federal standards to now being twice recognized by the Minnesota Business Partnership for excellence. We should be very proud of everyone involved!

 

Conservation Corps

The Conservation Corps provides hands-on environmental stewardship and service-learning opportunities to youth and young adults while accomplishing conservation, natural resource management and emergency response work.

 

They help young people from diverse backgrounds become more connected to the environment, engaged in conservation, involved in the community and prepared for future employment. The Conservation Corps is accepting applications in December. If you know someone who might be interested please encourage them to apply by clicking here; it is a great opportunity.

 

3M Lawsuit

As many of you have heard, recent court filings allege 3M withheld information about the contamination in our community.Our community has been living with this problem for decades. I will continue to keep a watchful eye on the situation and will pass on any information I find or receive as your state legislator.

 

Cold Weather Rule

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, conservation or 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 contact me with any questions or concerns. I am here to represent you!

 

Warmly,

 

JoAnn