Public Safety Town HallJoin me tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16 at 5:20 p.m. in Eagan for a Public Safety Town Hall. Please RSVP at https://bit.ly/HuotTownHall.   I was honored to join the Minnesota National Guard and our community for a tour of the renovated Rosemount Training and Community Center. Thanks to federal, state, and city $ partnerships, the Armory is finally updated and is increasing the capabilities it provides the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division (1/34) and the community. Grateful to have led efforts to secure the state funding. Health Care AffordabilityRecent federal changes ended tax credits that helped reduce insurance costs, causing premiums to rise as much as 50% next year. These cuts hit farmers, small business owners, and older adults especially hard, while stripping Medicaid coverage from over 140,000 Minnesotans. DFLers are fighting to make health care more affordable. Please, if you're willing, take a moment to share how rising costs affect your family in a brief survey.  I had the honor of visiting the Essentia Care Hospital in Duluth recently to hear about progress and the challenges they're facing amid federal cuts. I was truly impressed by their unwavering commitment to rural healthcare and their dedication to serving the community of Duluth, as well as providing essential emergency medical services throughout the region. Cold Weather Rule & Energy AssistanceMinnesota's Cold Weather Rule (October 1–April 30) protects you from utility shutoffs. Contact your utility provider to set up a payment plan. The Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families afford energy costs based on income and household size. Learn more here, though federal funding delays may postpone these benefits.  Paid Family & Medical Leave – Launches January 1Starting January 1, 2026, Paid Family and Medical Leave launches which provides partial wage replacement for up to 12 weeks of medical leave for serious health conditions, including pregnancy recovery, and up to 12 weeks of family leave for new parents, those caring for seriously ill family members, or certain military and safety situations. If in need of both medical and family leave, workers can use up to a total of 20 weeks annually. Learn more here or watch this explainer video.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to keep in touch on the issues most important to you. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season. Take care, John  An orament of Melissa Hortman hangs from the Capitol holiday tree. It's on display through the end of the month in the Captiol Rotunda. |