Dear Neighbors, With the return of the holiday season we also have a return to cold weather. Open now until May 31, 2024, the Energy Assistance Program helps pay energy bills for eligible Minnesotans. This program is free and provides benefits up to $1,400, with additional support to respond to emergencies. Both renters and homeowners can qualify, and eligibility is based on income and household size. This program is federally funded and administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. You can access the application here. Here is an update on a few things you may have missed and some things coming up as we head towards the end of 2023. New Laws As a quick recap to a historic session, new laws went into effect on July 1st and August 1st. These laws will have a lot of positive benefits for our state and I can't wait to see them work! The nonpartisan office of House Public Information has a summary of the new laws here: Earned Sick and Safe Time Starting Soon
Effective Jan. 1, 2024, Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law requires employers to provide paid leave to employees who work in the state. This is a fantastic win for workers across the state who will no longer have to choose between a paycheck and recovering from an illness. You can find a full FAQ of this important new law, here. Flag Redesign Commission
Minnesota is getting a new flag and seal! The commission received 2,123 flag submissions and 398 seal designs in total, but has recently narrowed the flag options to 6 and finalized the new state seal. You can find critiques of the remaining options here, and Fair Vote conducted a ranked choice vote for fun to see where folks stand on these designs. The new emblems will become official on Minnesota Statehood Day on May 11.  Session Priorities Constituent Survey As we prepare for the upcoming 2024 legislative session, House DFLers want to hear about the issues most important to you. That’s why I wanted to share with you our Minnesota Values Project Survey, an easy way to share your values, hopes, challenges, and ideas with us on solutions at the legislature. It only takes a few minutes to fill out, and can be found here or using the QR code below. |