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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Michelle (Shelly) Christensen (DFL)

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Legislative Update: May 2022

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Dear Neighbors,

The 2022 legislative session will be over in less than a month, as the Minnesota Constitution requires. And over the next few weeks the House of Representatives will pass our House Position Omnibus bills, like the ones we’ve already passed below:

As Vice-Chair of the Higher Education Committee, I'm proud to say we brought forth a bill that invests $250 million in General Fund investments to improve student affordability, equity, well-being and safety, and campus sustainability. Cost should never be a barrier to accessing higher education. Regardless of background, everyone deserves the opportunity to follow their dreams and thrive. Through these investments, we are ensuring the voices of students are at the center of this legislation. 

The House also took up some significant investments in the climate and energy, including my bill modifying the community energy transition grant program enacted in 2020. Together, we are investing in new energy technology start-ups, the advancement in creating the future energy grid, and driving down costs for consumers. I’m proud to be supporting these measures for all Minnesotans.

UI & Frontline Worker Pay Agreement

Last week, the legislature passed an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Frontline Worker bill into law. Replenishing the UI Trust Fund at $2.73 billion ensures UI benefits are available to workers in the future and that businesses across the state are held harmless from the effects of the pandemic. There will be no unemployment insurance tax rate hike for any businesses with the passing of this bill.

This law also provides $500 million for Frontline Worker Pay, which will provide bonus pay to frontline workers who have sacrificed during the pandemic to keep Minnesotans safe, healthy, fed, and cared for. Eligible workers include those from the health care, child care, school, food service, public transit, long-term care, building service, emergency response, retail, and manufacturing sectors. Frontline workers have had our backs for over two years during a global pandemic, and they deserve economic security.

 

Frontline worker pay graphic

New Energy Assistance Program 

The Minnesota Commerce Department began a new Energy Assistance Program and encourages households that are struggling with energy bills to apply, with up to $2,000 available to eligible households. In addition, as part of the Federal relief funding, there is help for households to pay past-due water bills.

Households can apply for help with both energy and water bills through the Energy Assistance application. For more information and to find your local service provider, go to the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program webpage. You can also call 1-800-657-3710 for more information.

Energy Assistance flyers are available in EnglishEspañol/SpanishHmoob/Hmong, and Soomaali/Somali.

Water Assistance flyers are also available in EnglishEspañol/SpanishHmoob/Hmong, and Soomaali/Somali.

Keep in Touch

If you have any questions, comments, or ideas on how to make our community and state a better place to live, work, and raise a family, please reach out to me. You can contact me through email (rep.shelly.christensen@house.mn) or phone (651-296-4244). I appreciate hearing from you!

Sincerely, 

Representative Shelly Christensen

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