Legislative Update: Community and the Capitol

Neighbors,

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday. For me, it was a time to enjoy family and reflect on everything I am grateful for in my life.

Right on cue, the cold weather returned, and these chilly days an important reminder of having reliable electricity and heat. Open now until May 31, 2024, the Energy Assistance Program helps pay energy bills for eligible Minnesotans. This program is free and provides benefits up to $1,400, with additional support to respond to emergencies. Both renters and homeowners can qualify, and eligibility is based on income and household size. This program is federally funded and administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. You can access the application materials here.

Veterans Day

I served breakfast to our local veterans on Veterans Day in Mankato. I thank Hy-Vee for providing this breakfast every year. I was honored to play a small part in showing appreciation to our veterans for their brave and selfless service to our country.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Hwy 14 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

I joined local and state officials last week for the Highway 14 New Ulm to Nicollet four-lane expansion project ribbon cutting ceremony. This is the latest in several measures to increase safety for all who travel this stretch of road. The important legislative investments provide safer roads for all Minnesotans.

Visting with Eagle Lake Residents

I recently visited with several Eagle Lake residents to talk about issues important to them. Neighbors across the political spectrum are feeling frustration about the inability for respectful political discourse. But I feel hopeful after talking to them, because they still value their friendships and can separate relationships from politics. Also, most of those I spoke with want big money out of politics and said it impacts their voices from being heard.

Elections Changes

I am following up with the Blue Earth County Elecitons Administrator to discuss the recent election. I serve on the House Elections Committee and am interested in hearing about how recent changes passed this session impacted the process. Feedback is an important part of the legislative process I am grateful to have amazing county partners in this work.

Honoring our Postal Workers

Last week, I attended the Mankato Area Foundation unveiling of a sculpture commissioned to honor the legacy of the US Postal Service. Thank you to all who make sure our mail is delivered!

Talking Democracy

Monday, I spoke to Mankato East High School Government class students. We discussed the legislative changes which passed this session around voting, registration, and pre-registration. The students took many notes and I found them to be interested in the changes and excited about opportunities to be engaged in the process.  

Landlord Seminar

I recently attended a landlord law seminar to hear about some changes in the landlord/tenant laws passed this session. The measures now in law give tenants more notice if being evicted and inform them of where to receive legal and financial assistance.

SUD Advisory Council

I attended a meeting of the Substance Use Advisory Council in Mankato. We heard from area professionals who are providing service and about the needs in our region. This is an ongoing issue, and I am appreciative of those who help people affected by substance abuse.

Meeting with social work students

I spoke to and with MSU social work students last week. I was pleased, but not surprised, regarding their engagement about issues impacting their profession.

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Free Covid Tests

You can now order up to four free rapid-antigen COVID tests through the federal government’s at-home testing program to be delivered directly to your home. These tests are intended to be used by the end of this year. For more information or to place your order, you can visit COVIDTests.gov.

Stay connected with the Legislature

During the legislative interim, you can continue to visit the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here. The 2024 legislative session convenes at noon on February 12.

I look forward to seeing you in the community over the next few months and I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn.gov or call me at (651) 296-3248.

Also, please visit and “like” my Facebook page for more Capitol and community updates.

Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.

Sincerely,   

Luke Frederick

State Representative

District 18B – rep.luke.frederick@house.mn.gov
487 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-3248

Committee assignments:
Vice Chair: Human Services Policy

Judiciary Finance & Civil Law

Agriculture Finance & Policy

Elections Finance & Policy