Dear Neighbors,
Session will start next week so things are starting to move faster around the capitol. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on all of the major developments that will affect our community. I hope you are able to get out and enjoy the fresh snow we’ve gotten recently!
House DFL Climate Action Plan
As one of the fastest warming states in the country, Minnesota is already experiencing impacts of climate change. We need to act boldly to prevent irreversible and potentially catastrophic consequences. This science-based plan, developed by members of the House Climate Action Caucus, will help address the climate crisis while creating jobs and reducing costs for Minnesotans. At a glance, the plan includes:
- $105 million for energy related expenses, like investing in solar, cutting-edge energy initiatives, and Greater Minnesota renewable development.
- $376.5 to fund bus rapid transit lines, bike/pedestrian infrastructure, and electric vehicle promotion.
- $355 million for weatherization and efficiency efforts, and other efforts to improve the carbon impact of our built environments.
- $130 million for conservation of natural lands and natural greenhouse sequestration methods.
- $33.5 million to ensure that we can adapt our infrastructure to our changing climate.
I look forward to working with my colleagues to make this package a reality to ensure the climate and environmental future for our children.
Governor Walz Proposals
Governor Walz has begun the process of releasing his various proposals. This is a critical year as we have a strong economic forecast and an opportunity to fund robust projects across the state. At the same time, many are struggling to get by and we must ensure the average family has what they need. Here are some details that the Governor has released:
- $2.7 billion in funding for local jobs and projects.
- Within those projects, $943.7 million is related to climate action and environmental protection.
- $700 million in direct payments to Minnesotans. The "Walz Checks" will go up to $350 to married couples and $175 to single taxpayers.
- $1,500 payments to over 667,000 frontline workers. In addition over $115 million will be devoted to caregivers across the state, in order to train and retain these much needed positions.
- Financial incentives to revitalize our healthcare workforce.
This is just the beginning of our legislative process, but I'm encouraged by this initial offering from Governor Walz. I will continue to fight for investments that reflect our moral obligation to stand up for the health and economic security of all Minnesotans.
Aid for Main Street Businesses
A second round of the Main Street Economic Revitalization Program will launch Thursday, January 27, 2022. This $80 million statewide economic redevelopment program will award grants to establish programs targeting specific main streets and commercial corridors that will, in turn, fund economic development and redevelopment projects. A total of $41 million will be available in this second round of funding.
Proposals will be accepted from eligible partner organizations, which include foundations engaged in economic development; community development financial institutions; and nonprofit organizations engaged in housing and commercial development. Request for proposals (RFPs) will open at 3 p.m. on January 27 and be due by 4 p.m. February 28.
DEED will hold an information session to provide more information about this program on February 8, at 11:00 a.m.
Certified Nursing Assistants Needed
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated long-term staffing pressures across our health care infrastructure. Today, in response to the severe staffing shortages facing long-term care facilities, 400 National Guard members are deployed throughout the state to provide emergency staffing. Their service is truly admirable, but they are acting as a temporary, emergency solution to a structural workforce challenge facing our state.
To beat this shortage we need 1,000 Minnesotans to answer the call and join the next generation of health care workers. If you become a certified nursing assistant today, your costs will be covered. Including free tuition, books, uniform, & exam. Learn more & enroll today.
COVID-19 Update
Governor Tim Walz announced the launch of the next phase of the ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ vaccine incentive program to encourage families in Minnesota to get their kids 5- to 11-years-old fully vaccinated against COVID-19. It is paramount that we vaccinate our children so they can learn in person as much as possible. You can learn more about the ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ program here. Here are some important details on the incentives:
- Families in Minnesota who get their 5 to 11 year olds fully vaccinated in January and February can get a $200 Visa gift card. To be eligible, kids in Minnesota ages 5-11 must receive their first and second dose between January 1 and February 28. Registration will open at 10:00am on January 24, 2022 and close at 11:59pm on February 28, 2022. Learn more here.
- Later this spring, there will be drawings for five $100,000 Minnesota college scholarship drawings for all 5-11 year olds who are fully vaccinated. Details will be released soon.
Families in Minnesota can visit mn.gov/vaxforkids to find local vaccine clinics. Families can also check with their pediatrician, family medicine clinic, or local pharmacy about appointments. In addition, please be sure to watch for vaccination clinics being offered at schools or other community locations around Minnesota.
The federal government is now offering free at-home COVID-19 tests to every household. As the COVID-19 omicron variant continues to spread across our state, testing frequently and isolating if positive are some of the best preventative measures after getting vaccinated. Get your free tests here.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.kaela.berg@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-5387. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and follow my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Kaela Berg, District 56B
423 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155