Dear Neighbors, Compromise has been at the core of my legislative work and beliefs. This legislative session was no different. I worked with House DFLers and all my colleagues to focus on reducing costs for families and help workers get ahead. Legislative leaders and the governor signed a budget agreement to provide historic tax cuts and invest in Minnesotans to provide critical funding for nursing homes, education, public safety, infrastructure, middle-class tax cuts, and so much more. But the session adjourned without completing final action. After weeks of negotiations, Senate Republicans gave up and walked away from this bipartisan agreement. House DFLers worked in good faith to find common ground, but when the going got tough, Senate Republicans quit – and now we will now have to wait until session convenes in January to resolve these differences. As we’ve seen throughout the pandemic, so much can be accomplished when we work together. I am prepared to work any time to reach compromise and deliver a path forward for Minnesotans to thrive and succeed now and in the future. Post 9/11 Veterans Can Now Apply for BonusThe Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has a long history of awarding service bonuses to Minnesota Veterans who served in America’s wars. Starting in 1919 after World War I, through World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and now the Global War on Terrorism. MDVA recognizes the sacrifices and courage Minnesotans took to defend our country. The 2022 Legislature passed, and Governor Walz signed, the first-ever Veterans Omnibus Bill including funding for a service bonus payable to eligible Veterans who served from 9/11/01 to 8/30/21. MDVA is honored to facilitate this program for eligible Veterans, currently serving service members, or Veterans' beneficiaries. Learn more here.  July 22nd Deadline to Apply for Frontline Worker BonusFrontline workers have another month to apply for a bonus of up to $750. Money set aside for this program will be split equally among all approved applicants. We all are very appreciative of those who put themselves in harm’s way during the height of the pandemic and encourage them to apply if eligible and to spread the word to friends and family.  COVID-19 UpdateEvery home in the U.S. is now eligible to order a third round of free at-home COVID-19 tests. Click here to place your order. You can also call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). Also, a reminder Americans over 50 and those 12 years and older who are immunocompromised can receive a second COVID-19 booster shot. More COVID-19 updates are available through the Minnesota Department of Health website, or the U of M Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). Stay in TouchYou can stay up to date on our work by subscribing to these legislative updates and “liking” my official Facebook page. For any questions you have on the resources available to our community or our work in the Minnesota House, you can reach me at rep.andrew.carlson@house.mn or leave a voicemail at (651) 296-4218. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Andrew Carlson State Representative |