Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.  Neighbors and Friends, The 2022 Legislative Session convened at noon Monday. This session will focus on assisting those most impacted by the pandemic and how they can be helped by the state’s historic projected $7.7 positive budget balance. Each legislative session gives lawmakers the chance to help those who need it most. During this session, like the two before, we continue our efforts to assist those who have been most affected by the pandemic. Minnesotans have been impacted in every part of their lives, from housing to education to their pocketbooks. House DFLers recently rolled out Public Safety, Economic Security, Climate Action and Education plans to help Minnesotans impacted by the economic fallout of COVID-19. Minnesotans have been affected in so many ways by the pandemic and with the state’s historic projected positive budget balance, we are putting those funds to work. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to boost family budgets, reduce costs, and improve the lives of all Minnesotans. District 66 Town Hall Join Sen. Marty, Rep. Hollins, and me for a virtual town hall on Saturday, February 12 from 10:30 to noon to discuss the 2022 Legislative Session. We always receive insightful and informed questions and I value your input. You can participate in the town hall by going to this Facebook link here. You do not need to be on Facebook to participate. Housing The 2022 session is not a budget year, but we are expected to address several issues requiring our attention, particularly related to the projected surplus and how it will impact our priorities. One issue challenging all of us is homelessness. Public and private sector leaders have a responsibility to ensure Minnesotans are not left unhoused. I commented in a recent Star Tribune article about the need to invest in permanent housing. We will address this issue in the Housing Finance and Policy Committee, which I chair. Award I’m honored to receive the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH) Lifetime Achievement Award. It has truly been a privilege to pour my efforts into helping to solve this vexing issue. I am grateful and humbled to receive the recognition.  Almanac at the Capitol This week, I was interviewed for the PBS Almanac at the Capitol program about my time in the legislature. It was interesting to talk about many of the efforts and accomplishments during my time in the legislature. You can watch the interview here. COVID-19 Update Numbers are decreasing, but COVID-19 and its variants persist. By getting vaccinated, tested, receiving your booster, and taking measures to keep yourself and your family safe, we can help continue to drive those numbers down, help our health care workers and keep each other safe. Families can now order up to 4 free COVID tests from the government. Go to https://www.covidtests.gov/ to get your test kits and many more resources. All you need is your name and residential mailing address, and tests will be delivered through the U.S. Postal Service and ship within 7-12 days. You can order for anyone who may not be internet savvy. Black History Month If we don’t reflect, we can’t move forward. I’m grateful for the immeasurable contributions Black Minnesotans have made to Minnesota’s history.  Insulin Safety Net Program I encourage anyone struggling with insulin affordability to turn to a state program which will help with immediate need. In 2020, the Minnesota Legislature passed the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which Gov. Tim Walz signed into law. The Insulin Safety Net Program is made up of two parts: 1) The urgent need program for eligible Minnesotans to receive a once-per-year 30-day supply of insulin immediately at their pharmacy for no more than a $35 copay; and 2) The continuing need program for eligible Minnesotans to receive up to a year supply of insulin for no more than $50 per 90-day refill. Take a few minutes to watch Alec’s mom, Nicole Smith-Holt talk about the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program. __________ Staying Connected You can watch legislative sessions and committee hearings by going to this link on the Minnesota House of Representatives website. The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services also 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, you can 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 email me at 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 |