Neighbors and Friends, This week, in the Housing Finance and Policy committee, we heard several measures on funding for supportive housing, rental assistance and establishment of a temporary emergency rental assistance program. Housing security is one pillar of the House DFL Economic Security Plan and I believe it is the most fundamental need. You can watch our Tuesday hearing here and Thursday’s here. I was quoted in a Pioneer Press article today about our efforts to restart RentHelpMN to help those who need emergency rental assistance. The housing crisis, exacerbated by the pandemic, is far from over, but we can offer some temporary help to those who need it the most. Heating Assistance The Minnesota Reformer recently highlighted how many Minnesotans are struggling with the high costs of heating their homes this winter. If you or someone you know is behind on bills, help is available. The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program can assist with electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil or biofuel payments, as well as emergency fuel deliveries, and repair or replacement of broken heating systems. Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule protects residential utility customers from having electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. More information about shut off protection is available from the state Public Utilities Commission.  COVID-19 Update Getting the COVID-19 vaccination and booster can keep you and your family safe. If you’re not feeling well, get tested. You can still order up to 4 free COVID tests for your household. Go to https://www.covidtests.gov/ to get your test kits and many more resources. __________ 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 |