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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Luke Frederick (DFL)

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Legislative Update: Virtual Town Hall on February 20

Friday, February 12, 2021

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Neighbors,

Today we continue our journey on how an idea becomes a law. Last week, we reviewed working with a legislator on an idea, which is then written in bill form by the professional legislative staff who “jacket” the measure. Jacketing a bill creates a yellow set and green set of the exact same language. The yellow set is sent to the senator and the green is sent to the representative. Both legislators sign their respective jackets and in the case of the representative, drop that jacket in ‘the hopper.’  We’ll continue our bill journey in next week’s update.

This is a photo of me dropping my first bill in the hopper a couple weeks ago, which is an agency measure, categorizing data pertaining to minors in the workforce as private data. I presented the bill in the Labor/Industry Committee this week.

In Human Services Finance and Policy Committee this week, we heard a bill to develop a pilot project over in Winona for students to work as personal care attendants (PCA). Having worked as a PCA myself I know the value they bring to people’s lives. Additionally, there is a shortage of PCAs statewide. I was eager to sign on in support of the bill.

Community Partnerships

Outside of committee this week, I met with transportation professionals on how to improve public transit around the state. I also met with advocates on how to help our local farmers. In addition, I’m working with community leaders from the disability community on a bill to allow PCAs to expand their scope of service and provide more help for the people they serve.

Town Hall next Saturday, February 20

You are invited to join Sen. Frentz and me on the 20th. Please submit your questions ahead of time to justin.emmerich@senate.mn and we hope to see you next Saturday!

sd19

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

COVID-19 case numbers and positivity rates are trending downward in Minnesota. The vaccination process is also improving. The federal government is gradually increasing the supply of doses, and the state is adapting the process to ensure that the vaccines we receive are distributed more effectively and equitably. 

Health care workers and long-term care residents and staff will continue receiving the vaccine through their workplace, care facility, or local public health department. Educators, school staff, and childcare workers will receive information from their employers. Minnesotans who are 65 or older can use this tool to find nearby vaccine providers and make an appointment.  

More information is available on the state’s Vaccine Data Dashboard

Black History Month

February is Black History Month and, while we have made progress in the fight for racial equity, we are not at the finish line. COVID-19 has exposed existing racial disparities in our state that we can only address through bold legislation. The House Select Committee report on Racial Justice and the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus’ statement on Black History Month are both important reads.

Energy Assistance

The subzero temperatures are sticking around for the next few days, and you can receive help with utility bills, to repair or replace homeowners’ malfunctioning furnaces, and to purchase fuel for delivery in emergencies. Help is available from Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for homeowners, renters with young children, people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those experiencing unemployment or financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New applicants have until May 31, 2021 to apply.  Funding is limited and administered on a first-come, first-served basis, so you are encouraged to apply soon. Additionally, the state’s Cold Weather Rule is in effect until April 15 which prevents utility shut offs if you sign up for a payment plan with your energy provider. More information on these protections is available from the Public Utilities Commission.

Stay connected with the Legislature

The Minnesota House continues to operate remotely. The House ensures openness and transparency for the public by expanding the number of simultaneous committees it can webcast live?from a maximum of two to five, so you can stay current on issues moving through committees this budget session. 

Also, the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website.  

I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn or can also call my legislative assistant, Joe Lenczewski at 651-296-5486.

Also, please visit and “like” my Facebook page for more Capitol and community updates.

Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.

Sincerely,   

Luke Frederick

State Representative

District 19Brep.luke.frederick@house.mn
487 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-3248

Committee assignments:
Vice Chair: Behavioral Health Policy Division
Human Services Finance and Policy
Labor, Industry, Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy
Transportation Finance and Policy

Legislative assistant:
Joe Lenczewski
651-296-5486
joe.lenczewski@house.mn