Dear Neighbors,
All of this snow is a great way to usher in the holiday season. No matter what holiday you celebrate I hope you get to spend it with loved ones and the people who make you happiest. I hope everyone has a joyful holiday season!
The holiday season can also be quite difficult for many. If you or someone you know is going through a tough time and needs help, be sure to reach out to a lifeline for help and support.
Next Session
The legislative session is just around the corner, it starts January 3rd. There are going to be a lot of new legislators next year and with plenty of turn over in both parties, the House and Senate will look a lot different. With so many new folks and a slim majority in the Senate it may be difficult to ensure every priority is accomplished. I remember when we last had the trifecta a lot of what we hoped to accomplish didn’t make it through due to conflict between the House and Senate. It seems that won’t be as much of an issue, but I want folks to know that legislating involves compromise and we should temper our expectations slightly. In addition, the House has had many of its high ranking staff retire over the last couple of years. The most recent person who announced retirement plans has worked here for 36 years. Overall, this means a huge loss of institutional knowledge.
Also around the corner is the beginning of new laws, which’ll take place on January 1st. Overall these laws won’t change too much, but one around prenatal care may be of interest. Health plans will be required to cover:
- a comprehensive postnatal visit with a health care provider not more than three weeks from the date of delivery;
- any postnatal visits recommended by a health care provider between three and 11 weeks from the date of delivery; and
- a comprehensive postnatal visit with a health care provider 12 weeks from the date of delivery.
Energy Assistance Program Increased Benefits
The Department of Commerce recently announced an increase in the benefit available to Minnesota homeowners and renters facing heating emergencies this winter. The Energy Assistance Program more than doubled the maximum crisis benefit from $600 to $1,500, helping eligible homeowners and renters avoid the anxiety of a nearly empty fuel tank. Funding for the increase is part of a $1 billion federal resolution passed in September.
To request an Energy Assistance Program application or to find local service providers, visit this site or call 800-657-3710, option 1.
Protecting Water Resources
Protecting our water resources is critical, I attended the Mississippi River Legislative Caucus Annual Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. Improving water quality and soil health were some of the concerns at that event. I also attended the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus conference in Chicago. Protecting the quality of the water is also important to these water bodies.
Given the importance of Lake Superior to our state, you might want to read a book that Lynne Heasly wrote, The Accidental Reef and other Ecological Odysseys in the Great Lakes.
Stay in Touch
Through the end of the year, please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.sandra.masin@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-3533. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Sandra Masin
State Representative