|
Neighbors and Friends,
Several housing funding bills were heard in committee this week. In the Capital Investment Committee, I presented HF 1634, a measure to authorize $400 million in Housing Infrastructure Bonds (HIBs) and $100 million in General Obligation (GO) bonds for the rehabilitation of public housing. You can read the news release on these bills here. On Thursday in the Housing Finance and Policy Committee, I presented HF 12, a bill which addresses the transition from the current residential eviction moratorium, and clarifies the process and procedures surrounding evictions during and immediately after the peacetime emergency ends.
You can learn more about our committee, review our agenda, and view past meetings on our House website committee page.
Turning the Dials
Governor Walz has announced new public health guidance. These are welcome changes, but until more Minnesotans are vaccinated, it is important to continue following safety guidelines.
Vaccine Update
This week, Governor Walz announced the expansion of COVID-19 vaccine access to those with a broad range of chronic and underlying conditions and key front-line workers. The state has almost reached its goal to vaccinate 70% of senior citizens.
You can be ready for the COVID-19 vaccine by signing up for the Vaccine Connector. When you become eligible to receive a vaccine under state guidelines, you will be alerted of your eligibility, connected to resources to schedule an appointment, and notified if there are vaccination opportunities in the area.
AFSCME Day on the Hill
This week, I met with local District 66 AFSCME workers via a zoom call. As you know, we continue to operate remotely in the Minnesota House to keep the public and each other safe but have adjusted so we can still meet with our dedicated workers who do so much for Minnesota!
Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program
Alec Smith was a 26-year-old Minnesotan who, after aging off his parents’ insurance, could not afford the $1,300 monthly cost of insulin and died rationing his medication. The law in Alec’s memory provides an emergency safety net to individuals with an urgent need for insulin, as well as a long-term assistance program. If you or someone you know is having trouble accessing emergency insulin, go to this website for helpful information.
Celebrating Women
March is Women’s History Month and on Monday, we celebrated International Women’s Day. I’m proud to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of women in the House DFL Caucus and in our community. I honor those who came before us and enthusiastically celebrate those who succeed us. I am grateful for women in my life today, and every day.
MVP Podcast
The latest episode of the Minnesota Values Podcast has been released and features three of my colleagues talking about HF 11, a bill to expand eligibility to MinnesotaCare. Hear an overview of the measure and the state effort to offer affordable health insurance to more Minnesotans.
Click here to listen.
_________
Staying Connected
The House has expanded the number of simultaneous committees it can?webcast live?from a maximum of two to five, so you can stay current on issues moving through committees this budget session.
Also, the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website.
I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can call me at (651) 296-3824 or send an email at rep.alice.hausman@house.mn.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Alice
|