As the House Higher Education Finance and Policy Chair, a key focus of mine is enacting strategies to continue to develop and strengthen our workforce and economy in Minnesota. DCTC’s strong Heavy Duty Truck Technology program is an example of one of the strong trades skills opportunities Minnesotans can access. Programs like these are critical to growing our workforce and local economy. Here's how Minnesota will benefit from the new federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: - $4.5 billion for highways
- $302 million for bridges
- $100 million for broadband internet
- $68 million for electric vehicle charging stations
- $818 million for public transportation
- $680 million for clean water
MinnPost has a great, comprehensive story on how these figures will keep moving our communities forward and includes bipartisan praise on how we’ll get to work together to make investments in our state’s infrastructure. You can find the article here. Virtual Visit with Concordia StudentsToday, I met with students, higher education officials, administration, and colleagues to be recognized as an Education Champion. It was rewarding to hear directly from students who have been positively impacted by some of the policies our committee enacted this year, like expanding the state grant program for students who might not otherwise be able to go to college. It’s a labor of love, and I’ll continue to partner with current and prospective students to help ensure they can thrive and achieve their dreams.  Omicron Variant in MinnesotaThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently approved recommendations for everyone 18 and older to get a booster shot. You can find a location near you here. The Omicron variant is here in Minnesota, and it’s imperative we work together to slow the spread to help preserve our hospital capacity for others who need care. Our state was already facing health care worker shortages prior to the pandemic, and health professionals are asking for our help. A third emergency federal medical team has been called in to support Minnesota hospitals. The team, from HHS’s National Disaster Medical System, will arrive on Friday and deploy for at least two weeks, with the option to extend. Scientists have been working hard to find the variant and learn more about the rates of transmission. With much uncertainty around this new mutation of the virus, we must double down on our efforts to protect one another. Staying home when we don’t feel well, maintaining a safe distance in busy settings (especially if we’re doing holiday shopping), washing our hands frequently, getting tested and vaccinated are all strategies we can use to help keep each other safe.  Serving on State Boards, Councils, or CommitteesAre you interested in sharing your expertise with our state? Serve on a state board, council or committee! The newest vacancies can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website. Please let me know if you apply! Reminder- MVP SurveyI encourage you to share your thoughts with me by taking the Minnesota Values Project survey. It’s important for me to hear about what we as legislators can do to help you and your family. Thank you in advance for your input!  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn or 651-296-5510. It’s an honor to serve the community in which I grew up at the State Capitol. Have a great weekend! Sincerely, Connie Bernardy State Representative |