Legislative Update: Celebrating Indigenous People's Day

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Dear Neighbors,

After recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day via proclamation in recent years, Minnesota will observe the day as a state-recognized holiday and schools choosing to remain open will devote at least one hour to informing students about its significance. This session, I joined my legislative colleagues to enact the change following years of advocacy by the Minnesota House Native American Legislative Caucus and members of the eleven tribal nations in Minnesota.

Mental Health Advisory Council

I serve on the State Advisory Council on Mental Health and Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health Council and we will hold our monthly meeting tomorrow. The council was established in 1987 to unite voices for mental health to advise the governor, the legislature, and other state leaders to shape Minnesota’s policies and services.

State Flag and Seal Redesign Submissions 

In 2022, the House passed bipartisan legislation to establish the State Emblems Redesign Commission to develop, design, and recommend to the legislature a new official state flag and seal to represent our great state as it is in the 21st century. You are invited to submit your own creative design.

Five submissions will be selected for final consideration. The Commission will certify its adopted designs in a report to the legislature and governor no later than January 1, 2024. More information including eligibility, can be found here. The deadline for submissions is October 30.

League of Women Voters Event

Save Thursday, October 26 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. to meet with your local elected and appointed officials. The League of Women Voters Roseville Area has invited state legislators, Ramsey County commissioners and mayors of Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Maplewood, and Roseville to this discussion. If you have a question for your representatives, bring it to the event, at Roseville City Hall, 2660 Civic Center Drive, to ask in person, or submit it ahead of time to lwvrosevillearea@lwvmn.org. I am looking forward to seeing you!

Free COVID tests

This fall, Minnesotans will once again be able to order free rapid-antigen COVID tests through the federal government’s at-home testing program. Each household can order up to four tests to be delivered directly to your home. These tests are intended to be used by the end of this year and will begin shipping this week. For more information or to place your order, you can visit COVIDTests.gov. 

Leaf Color Report

The temperatures are still warm, but the leaves are turning! You can now check the weekly Minnesota DNR updates on the Fall Color Finder, where you can read the latest report, sign up for updates, view photos, and learn about events. Make the most of your autumn travels, whether you are exploring Greater Minnesota or spending the day in one of our beautiful regional parks!

Storm Damage Assistance

If you have experienced property damage due to recent storms or heavy rain, you can turn to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, which has a Disaster Response Guide to help walk you through next steps.

Stay in Touch

During the legislative interim, you can subscribe to my occasional legislative updates here, and you can also “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page.

If you have questions, ideas, or feedback that you would like to share, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can email me at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-5363.

Sincerely,

Peter Fischer