Dear Neighbors,
Our regular session came to an end last month. However, our work for the year is far from over as we approach a special session set for next week. House and Senate leaders and Governor Walz have reached a budget agreement that we are using as guidelines in our conference committee negotiations. We have reached agreements on our Energy/Commerce, Taxes, Higher Ed, Agriculture, and Legacy Finance budgets. Some of the more contentious bills like E-12 Education and Public Safety still have a ways to go however. Details on the overall budget agreement and what the special session will look like can be found here.
2021 Legislative Survey Results
A couple months ago I shared a survey with all of you to gauge how you all felt on a variety of issues. If you would like to see the results from those who answered, you can click this link. Thank you to all who participated, your responses really help me at the Capitol.
DFL Releases Eviction Off-Ramp
It is critical that we prevent a massive housing crisis as we begin to return to normal. The House DFL has a common sense plan to give everyone the time they need to catch up on their rent and mortgage. Watch our press conference to learn more about our plan. If you are behind on housing payments, apply for aid here.
MNsure Expansion This Summer
MNsure has a summer enrollment period now with expanded tax credit eligibility from the American Rescue Plan. Minnesotans with higher incomes who purchase health insurance through MNsure can access advanced premium tax credits that lower the cost of monthly health insurance premiums. MNsure is encouraging Minnesotans whose incomes were previously too high for tax credits to take another look at private health care coverage through MNsure. Learn more and sign up here.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Solid Waste Management Comments
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is kicking off an extensive effort to address the growing waste problems in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Each year, nearly 3.3 million tons of waste are generated in the seven-county metro area. The amount of garbage going in metro landfills has increased by more than 30% in just one year. At the current rate, the Twin Cities’ landfills will quickly run out of space and may cause disruptions to community waste pick-up. Here is how you can participate:
Public Comment Period for MnDOT
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is currently taking public comments on the draft 2022-2025 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). MnDOT welcomes these comments (written, e-mail or telephone) through June 30. I encourage you to provide your input on the important transportation investments that MnDOT will use through 2025. It’s important that we all participate to ensure that our transportation system serves everyone.
Direct Scheduling for Vaccinations Now Available
Minnesotans can now use the Vaccine Connector to directly schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments at the state’s Community Vaccination Program locations. You can visit VaccineConnector.mn.gov to directly schedule appointments at Community Vaccination locations around the state. Here is how you can get your shot:
The Governor launched the new "Your Shot to Summer" program, offering a list of great incentives to those who get their first COVID-19 shot May 27- June 30. This is to help us get above the 70% total vaccinations so we can have a safe and open summer. Some of the incentives include:
- Great Lakes Aquarium Pass
- Mall of America Nickelodeon Universe Pass
- Minnesota Fishing License
- Minnesota State Parks Pass
- Minnesota Zoo Admission
- Northwoods Baseball League Tickets
- State Fair Tickets
- Valleyfair Single-Day Admission
Learn more about this great opportunity here, mn.gov/covid19/summer.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.sandra.masin@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-3533. 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. You can also follow me on Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Sandra Masin
State Representative