Greetings Neighbors,
This week marks my first month as your State Representative. The learning curve has been high as I listen and learn from an incredible number of public employees and stakeholders who are so dedicated to the wellbeing of our state and constituents. Thank you to those of you who have visited me in my office or reached out to me with your thoughts and concerns. My door is always open…
This Week in Review:
PREMIUM RELIEF- Deadline Extended
As a result of the premium relief bill signed into law last week, MNsure has announced an additional week to the special enrollment period. The extra week allows Minnesotans additional time to purchase health insurance during open enrollment. The premium relief legislation will provide a 25% instant rebate to those purchasing health insurance on the individual market who don’t already qualify for MNSure tax credits.
The new deadline is Wednesday, February 8th. It is open to all Minnesotans; however, they must purchase health insurance through MNsure or directly through Blue Plus or Health Partners. For more information, go to the MNsure web page.
ANTI PROTEST BILL
On Tuesday, the House Civil Law Committee passed a bill that would make the public responsible for any costs while participating in protests or rallies. The bill would allow units of government to re-claim public safety costs by suing protestors convicted under unlawful assembly or public nuisance laws. This legislation sets a dangerous precedent for Minnesotans wishing to exercise their First Amendment right. Our constitution is in place to protect our rights and allow people to express their opinions in a peaceful way.
The bill’s next stop is the House Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee. There is no companion bill in the Senate.
ANTI WORKER BILL
On Thursday, the House Jobs Committee advanced a Republican bill called “preemption” that would block local communities from setting their own polices for workers. The legislation would stop communities from passing policies that protect and support workers like paid sick leave, family leave, or a higher minimum wage. This legislation will also revoke sick time for hundreds of thousands of people working in the Twin Cities.
I am very disappointed that this proposal was even introduced. As legislators I believe that we should be working to solve problem to provide more access to health care, paid sick leave and family leave – not looking for ways to provide less of it. My mission is to focus on polices that help people, not big corporations. I will be opposing this legislation when I hear it in committee this week.
MADE IN MINNESOTA SOLAR INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Applications for the Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program will be accepted through February 28.
I’m pleased to discover that number of community members have accessed this incentive program. This is the 4th year of the program, which helps residents, businesses and communities fund new solar electric and solar thermal systems. Minnesotans who install solar PV or solar thermal systems using solar modules or collectors certified as manufactured in the state are eligible to apply. More information is available at the Made in Minnesota section of the Commerce Department website.
The program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, has helped fund over one thousand projects. According to the Dept. of Commerce, over ten years, the Made in Minnesota program is expected to help fund as many as 4,000 solar installations and increase the state’s solar electric capacity by about 65MW, or more than four times the total capacity when the program begins.
Contact the Commerce Department Energy Information Center by email at energy.info@state.mn.us or phone at 651-539-1886 or 800-657-3710 with questions.
LOCALLY
This week I had the pleasure of meeting with some of our local students. Ananda, who is a participant of FCCLA, Family, Career and Community Members of America, spent a good portion of the day shadowing me as I went about my day. She sat in on my State Government Finance committee as we heard reports from the Minnesota Lottery Program and Canterbury Park and then joined the rest of her group after we had a great conversation about youth leadership and the issues that her peer group are concerned about. We ended with a quick tour of the Capitol. While Ananda was with me four other students and their teacher came in to share some of their concerns about the environment and teen driving. It was a great conversation – I’m encouraged to meet these leaders of the future! Thank you Kevin, Salma, Edwin and Melissa as well as their teacher, Mr. Breyfogle.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Mary Kunesh-Podein
State Representative