Neighbors, The new year brings many of the same challenges as last year, but also opportunities to work together for a better Minnesota for everyone. I look forward to the legislative session beginning on January 31 and to working with you to help Minnesotans most impacted by the pandemic. Today marks the one-year anniversary of the assault on our democracy. Even in Minnesota, there were calls for another civil war. I never once believed those voices represented most Minnesotans. On the contrary, what I’ve seen first-hand is Minnesotans working together and caring about our neighbors regardless of political affiliation. As an example, last session I worked with legislators from every point on the political spectrum, including reaching out to a Republican colleague on one of the first bills I authored. Going into the second year of my term I plan to continue to build bridges wherever I can to get the work done for our community and state. I hope all people, elected or not, stand against any attempt to undermine our democracy. We can have disagreements but that NEVER justifies violence or attempts to undermine people’s ability to vote. I look forward to working with all my legislative colleagues and with you to help Minnesotans thrive and succeed. COVID-19 Update The holidays are over, but COVID-19 and its variants persist. To keep yourself and each other safe, here are some steps we can all take to significantly reduce the number of cases and ease the burden on our exhausted health care workers: - Get Vaccinated.Minnesotans aged 5 and up can be vaccinated. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones – especially those who can’t be vaccinated and children under 5. Find vaccines for the whole family .
- Get Tested. Take advantage of one of the many free testing options the state has to offer, or head to your local clinic or pharmacy. Make an appointment at a community testing site.
- Get Boosted.All adults 18 and older should get a booster when they are due (6 months after receiving Pfizer and Moderna, and 2 months after receiving Johnson & Johnson).
- Stay Safe.Wear your mask in indoor public settings, wash your hands, and do your best to avoid crowded indoor spaces before getting together with family and friends—especially high-risk loved ones and children under 5 who can’t be vaccinated.
Nicollet County has a list of testing sites and information.  Blue Earth County also offers COVID-19 vaccine information here. You can also call the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at 1-833-431-2053. Our best protection is to be vaccinated.  New Laws Several laws which passed during the 2021 regular and special legislative sessions took effect on January 1, 2022. This information can be accessed here. You can also access summaries of all laws passed by the 2021 Legislature online from nonpartisan House Public Information Services. Cold Weather Rule and Energy Assistance The winter weather is a reminder Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (CWR), effective now until April 30, 2022. The CWR is administered by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and protects residential utility customers from having electric or natural gas service shut off. For more information, see the PUC’s Shutoff Protection page or call the PUC’s Consumer Affairs Office at 651-296-0406. Keep in mind you or someone you know may also qualify for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) to cover payments for both water and energy bills and for the Minnesota Weatherization Program. See the 2022 income guidelines and apply.  Minimum Wage Increase Minnesota’s minimum wage was adjusted for inflation, effective January 1, 2022. You can read more about the change at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry website here.  _________ Stay connected with the Legislature 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, Blake Wilcox, at 651-296-8803. 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 |