Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.  Neighbors and Friends, Happy New Year! Although COVID-19 continues to pose challenges for all of us, I’m optimistic 2022 will be a good year. The 2022 legislative session is scheduled to begin Jan. 31 and we have so much work ahead. I look forward to your input during the next few months. Recently, the Park Bugle published an article on my retirement announcement. You can read it here  New Laws Several 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. Cold Weather Rule and Energy Assistance The frigid weather is a reminder Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (CWR), is in effect until April 30, 2022. The CWR is administered by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and protects residential utility customers from having 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. Keep in mind you or someone you know may also qualify for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) to cover payments for both water and energy bills and for the Minnesota Weatherization Program. See the 2022 income guidelines and apply.  COVID-19 Update COVID-19 remains a major threat to our health. It is very important for everyone who is eligible to receive their vaccines and booster, not only to help each other stay safe but to assist our overworked and exhausted health care workers. How to get your free shot: - Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
- Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
- Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
- Walk in to one of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination sites.
- Call the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at 1-833-431-2053.
And don’t forget to get your annual flu shot.  Minimum Wage Increase Minnesota’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.  __________ Staying Connected I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can call me at (651) 296-3824 or send an email to rep.alice.hausman@house.mn. Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature. Sincerely, Alice Representative Alice Hausman 453 State Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-3824 rep.alice.hausman@house.mn Legislative Assistant: Katie Hirsch 651-297-8146 Committee Assignments: Chair: Housing Finance and Policy Division Legacy Finance Division Transportation Finance and Policy Division Ways and Means |