Dear Neighbors,

The Minnesota House has now passed all of our major bills that comprise a new two-year state budget. House DFLers have built a budget that recognizes the tremendous difficulties Minnesotans have experienced over the past year while giving everyone an opportunity to succeed and thrive in a post-pandemic state. A great deal of this work centers on the difficulties many Minnesotans have faced even before COVID-19, particularly regarding racial and economic inequities. We have the chance to build our state back better, but it’s critically important to lift everyone up on this journey.

Next Steps at the Capitol

Now that the House has passed our budget legislation, the next step is for joint House/Senate conference committees to meet and review differences between each chamber’s version of the various bills to reach a compromise. In many cases, the differences are numerous. The House’s proposals are crafted with the vision of Minnesota being a state capable of delivering necessary tools and resources, with a need to invest in our workers, students, families, and small businesses to help them overcome our challenges, while the Senate Republican budget features indiscriminate cuts to prioritize tax breaks for large corporations and the wealthiest among us, many of whom have done better than ever.

For my part, I’m honored to serve on the Workforce and Business Development conference committee. The House’s bill contains several important measures I’ve authored including Earned Sick & Safe Time, critical funding to expand child care opportunities, and legislation to facilitate the Verso paper mill’s sale and return to operation.

Vaccine Opportunities

Minnesotans have made great progress in receiving vaccines, with nearly 2.5 million people age 16 or older receiving at least one dose; that’s 56%. However, the pace of vaccine distribution has slowed recently. At this critical moment in time to overcome COVID-19, it’s important for everyone who’s eligible to get a shot as soon as possible.

This coming Sunday, May 2 from noon-8 p.m., vaccines will be available at the DECC. You can sign up for an appointment here. You can also call 1-800-800-5698. Thank you to all the public health workers and volunteers who work hard to make events like these successful! Other vaccine opportunities are also available through Minnesota’s Vaccine Connector.

Rent, Utility, and Heating Assistance Available

Rent, utility, and energy assistance are available for community members who may be struggling. Minnesota Housing has launched RentHelpMN to assist low- and moderate-income renters with rent or utility payments. To find out if you’re eligible visit renthelpmn.org and download the renter checklist to make sure you have everything you need to apply. Resources are available for landlords as well.

Additionally, through our Energy Assistance Plan, help is available for those who’ve struggled with heating bills. Assistance is available for utility payments, disconnections or fuel deliveries, and repairing or replacing heating systems. You can find more information about the program at the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website.

Please reach out to me with your input, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

Liz Olson
State Representative