Neighbors, The federal government is currently facing the second longest shutdown in American history – second only to the shutdown in 2018 during President Trump’s first term. The effects of this shutdown are being felt right here at home. On November 1st, the SNAP benefits that 440,000 Minnesotans rely on to put food on the table – including over 22,000 Minnesotans in Anoka County – will be gone. DFLers know how important it is for our kids to have reliable meals. Minnesota’s Universal School Meals program ensures all public school students get free breakfast and lunch. The stark contrast between Congress and the Minnesota House is on full display. This year in the Minnesota State Legislature, we came together to pass a state budget that was both responsible and protective of the progress we’ve made in the past few years. But if Congress doesn’t follow suit soon, they risk dismantling the work we did by forcing us to move money from other vital programs or dip into our rainy day fund. I will keep you updated as things progress. Be sure to follow my State Representative Facebook page for updates as we learn them. No Kings Rally The Government shutdown is the latest in the long list of grievances Minnesotans have with the carelessness of the Trump Administration. Last weekend, the No Kings Rally in downtown Anoka had a huge turnout. Despite so much darkness lately, it was invigorating to see so much joy as our community came together under a common goal. It reminds us of what our nation was founded on: a democratic republic where we have the freedom of assembly as well as speech, religion, press and so much more. NEW: Metro Micro Transit Service in Coon Rapids The Metropolitan Council recently launched a new Metro micro transit service that is available in parts of Blaine, Coon Rapids, and Spring Lake Park. Metro micro is a point-to-point, shared-ride transit service that uses ADA-accessible minibuses and helps connect riders to shopping, medical appointments, workplaces, entertainment, and more. This is so important. Minnesotans deserve a transportation system that is safe, reliable, and equitable. At a time when the federal government is intent on slashing critical programs that support working families in Minnesota, we know how essential it is to invest equally in roads and transit to ensure fair and accessible transportation options across the entire state. Here are a few highlights of this service: - Rides can be booked via smartphone app or by calling. You select your start and destination within the service zone.
- $2 per fare
- ADA accessible
- Service operates weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and weekends from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
You’re invited to join me and other legislators for an outreach event on Tuesday, November 5, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Northtown Transit Center located at the Northtown Mall in Blaine to learn more about the new Metro micro service and how we can continue improving transit options across the North Metro. We will be joined by folks from the Metropolitan Council to explain the service and answer questions about the phone app, reduced-fare eligibility, and more! This event is open to the public. We hope to see you on November 5!  Mercy Hospital Brain Injury Support group Last week, I had the tremendous opportunity to hear testimony directly from members of the Mercy Hospital Brain Injury Support group. With Trump’s Medicaid cuts weighing heavily on those who depend on Medicaid to survive, lifting up stories from those affected is vital. Denise shared that her son has had a brain injury since birth. She stressed that her situation it is not a choice – no one would choose a brain injury to be on Medicaid as has been cruelly suggested by the Trump Administration. Lourie shared that she had a brain tumor the size of a golf ball removed in 2022, and it isn’t safe for her to go back to work. She is fearful because with the recent federal changes, she will be cut off from Medicaid due to the income limits. If she loses Medicaid, she will no longer get the medical care she needs. Joshua shared that he fell off of a bridge 35 feet high and Minnesota Medical Assistance (MA) is absolutely a necessity for him. MA helps with care coordination, therapy, job supports, and so much more. Minnesota Medical Assistance stands out among other states as providing better supports and services for individuals like Joshua. However, the Big Billionaire Bonus bill passed at the federal level reduces funding significantly and is going to hurt people.  Half of every Medicaid dollar is spent on individuals with disabilities, and decreasing Medicaid funding puts services for the most vulnerable Minnesotans at risk. We must continue to speak up and put pressure on the federal government to reverse these funding cuts. Thank you to all the testifiers for sharing your stories with me. And thank you to Senator Jim Abeler and Representative Danny Nadeau for being at the Town Hall to hear those stories alongside me. Get Ready for Paid Family Leave! Paid Family and Medical Leave will be available to Minnesotans starting January 1st, providing wages and job protection to Minnesota’s workforce during some of life’s most important moments, like welcoming a child, recovering from a serious illness, or caring for a loved one. The Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) has released new program resources to make it easier for individuals and employers to plan and prepare to take advantage of this new employment benefit. - Newly available Paid Leave resources include:
- An online payment calculator that workers can use to estimate how much they could receive in payments if approved for benefits.
- A dedicated Contact Center phone line for both individuals and employers on topics like bonding leave for a baby born this year and how to prepare for the new law. You can call from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at 651-556-7777 or 844-556-0444 (toll-free).
- A new checklist to help employers prepare for Paid Leave.
- For more information about Paid Leave, visit https://paidleave.mn.gov./
Ending Gun Violence in Minnesota: Share Your Story For so many, the effort to end gun violence is not just political; it's personal.We're collecting stories from across the state about how gun violence has impacted Minnesotans and their communities. If you’ve been affected by gun violence, we invite you to take 3 minutes to fill out our community survey.  Stay ConnectedUnfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account.??To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out email at rep.kari.rehrauer@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-1729. You can contact my Legislative Assistant, Chloe, at 651-296-5486 or via email at chloe.keller@house.mn.gov. You can also follow my legislative Facebook page. It is an honor and a privilege to represent you at the Capitol.?? All my best,?? Rep. Kari Rehrauer |