Friends and Neighbors,
Minnesota is a beautiful state; diverse in landscape, culture and needs. This week, the Capital Investment committee completed tours around the state with a day each in the Minneapolis and St. Paul region. Since mid-August, we have toured all corners of Minnesota, viewing projects for possible inclusion in the 2018 Bonding bill. The tours proved, once again, that the need is great across Minnesota.
When the 2018 legislative session convenes in February, we will spend weeks determining what will be included in the bill. We will consider requests for higher education, wastewater infrastructure and bridge improvements.
Typically, one of every four projects receives some state funds, so it’s important to be deliberate when we shape the bill. As DFL Lead on Capital Investment, I will work with my colleagues to craft a geographically balanced bill.
Cold Weather Rule takes effect
The Minnesota Department of Commerce and Minnesota Public Utilities Commission want Minnesotans to know about help that is available from the state’s Cold Weather Rule and Energy Assistance Program. Income requirements apply.
The Cold Weather Rule protects residential utility customers from having their heat shut off during the winter months. The Cold Weather Rule takes effect on October 15 and continues until April 15 and is administered by the Public Utilities Commission. For more information, go to the Commission website or call 651-296-0406 or 800-657-3782.
Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program helps homeowners and renters earning at or below 50 percent of the state’s median income pay their heating bills. Households with seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and children are especially encouraged to apply.
Applications were recently sent to Minnesotans who qualified for energy assistance last year. Others who may qualify are encouraged to apply by contacting the local service provider in their county by calling 800-657-3710. Information is also available at the Commerce Department’s Energy Assistance Program webpage.
The Commerce Department also administers the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides energy efficiency improvements to reduce energy costs for needy households that meet income eligibility guidelines. Both homeowners and renters may apply for weatherization assistance.
Other forms of assistance may be available to Minnesotans through county social service programs, community-based organizations and nonprofit agencies.
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As always, contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Alice