Dear Neighbors, Happy 2022! We have certainly faced many profound challenges the last 22 months, but our amazing resilience has helped us weather the most difficult circumstances and I’m optimistic about the year ahead.  New LawsSeveral laws which passed during the 2021 regular and special legislative sessions took effect on January 1, 2022. This information can be accessed here. You can also access summaries of all laws passed by the 2021 Legislature online from nonpartisan House Public Information Services. COVID-19 UpdateThe holidays are over, but COVID-19 and its variants persist. To keep yourself and each other safe, here are some steps we can all take to significantly reduce the number of cases and ease the burden on our exhausted health care workers: - Get Vaccinated.Minnesotans aged 5 and up can be vaccinated. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones – especially those who can’t be vaccinated and children under 5. Find vaccines for the whole family .
- Get Tested. Take advantage of one of the many free testing options the state has to offer, or head to your local clinic or pharmacy. Make an appointment at a community testing site.
- Get Boosted.All adults 18 and older should get a booster when they are due (6 months after receiving Pfizer and Moderna, and 2 months after receiving Johnson & Johnson).
- Stay Safe.Wear your mask in indoor public settings, wash your hands, and do your best to avoid crowded indoor spaces before getting together with family and friends—especially high-risk loved ones and children under 5 who can’t be vaccinated.
.  Shooting at MOAA disturbing shooting happened at the Mall of America on New Year’s Eve. Like you, I was saddened and concerned about the violence, in which two people were shot. I echo Mayor Tim Busse’s statement expressing relief the victims weren’t seriously injured and I appreciate the quick response by Bloomington Police, Mall of America security, and others who work to keep our community safe. We will continue to address the cause of random acts of violence and ways we can ensure all are safe, no exceptions. Cold Weather Rule and Energy AssistanceMinnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (CWR), is in effect until April 30, 2022, for anyone having trouble paying utility bills. The CWR is administered by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and protects residential utility customers from experiencing electric or natural gas service shut-off. For more information, see the PUC’s Shutoff Protection page or call the PUC’s Consumer Affairs Office at 651-296-0406. In addition, the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is another potential resource for applicants to help cover both water and energy bills, and qualify for the Minnesota Weatherization Program. See the 2022 income guidelines and apply.  Minimum Wage IncreaseMinnesota’s minimum wage was adjusted for inflation, effective January 1, 2022. You can read more about the change at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry website here.  |