Neighbors, It looks like a snowy Minnesota winter is in store for us, and it didn’t waste any time gearing up. As much as I’m not particularly excited for icy commutes and starting my day with a shovel, it is a nice change of pace after the last two years. Now is a good time to brush up on city snow removal procedures. You can find information for Coon Rapids here and Andover here. This year has been a heavy one, hasn't it? As we close out 2025, I thought it would be nice to highlight some good news in hopes that we can carry positive energy with us into the new year. Even in moments of darkness, it’s important to find signs of light. The past week has brought fear to our community and across Minnesota as remarks by the President and an increased ICE presence directly target Somali Minnesotans. These attacks are mind boggling to me, especially since the vast majority of Somalis in Minnesota are citizens. Regardless, ICE recently wrongfully arrested two citizens in the metro area. I have found a many signs of light during this dark time. I am heartened by the numerous Minnesotans who are stepping up to ensure there is support for our immigrants, that legal information is disseminated, and that trainings are available. I am glad that our Senator, Jim Abeler, was the first (and still the only) Republican to denounce the hateful attacks by the President on our community. While I’m sad that something as simple as rejecting the notion that our neighbors are “garbage” goes against the norm, I’m proud that it was someone from our community to break it. I sincerely hope more of my colleagues across the aisle join DFLers and Senator Abeler in defending Minnesotans.  Stepping into Vice-Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs CommitteeI’m honored to share that I’ve been selected to serve as the House DFL Co–Vice Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. I’m grateful that our veterans and service members have a dedicated, stand-alone committee — ensuring these critical issues receive the focused time and attention they deserve. Thank you to Leader Stephenson for trusting me with this responsibility. I am fully committed to advancing policies that honor our veterans and ensure they are treated with the dignity and respect they have earned. With the House tied this session, there’s no better moment to work across the aisle and deliver meaningful, bipartisan results for those who have served.  Paid Leave Launches January 1!I’m truly ecstatic that Paid Family and Medical Leave is almost here! The U.S. is the only developed country in the world that doesn’t guarantee some form of paid leave, forcing most workers to make impossible choices between a paycheck and caring for a new child, an aging parent, or their own serious health condition. But in Minnesota, that’s about to change with the launch of Paid Leave on January 1, 2026. As we prepare for Paid Leave to take effect, I want to share the basics of the new law, how it impacts you, and how to use it. If you’re imminently expecting a new addition to the family for after the new year, you can even submit your application now! Paid Leave – which DFLers in the Legislature and Governor Walz passed in 2023 – provides partial wage replacement for up to 12 weeks of paid medical leave for your own serious health condition, including pregnancy and recovery. It also provides up to 12 weeks of paid family leave to care for a new child or a seriously ill loved one. If in need of both medical and family leave, workers can use up to a total of 20 weeks annually. A short video explaining the basics of how it works is available here.  For many of us, missing a single paycheck means the difference between staying above water and facing dire financial challenges, and that’s particularly true considering the affordability crisis we’re facing now, with prices rising on just about everything in our daily lives. Paid Leave is one major step to provide some relief, ensuring you’ll no longer have to risk your economic security to look after yourself, care for a newborn, or tend to a loved one. The program will have a small cost but offer powerful benefits. The premium rate for 2026 will be 0.88%, with employers responsible for at least half. If the employer chooses to split the premium with the employee, each will pay 0.44%. For an employee earning the average annual income, this amounts to about $5 per week each for the worker and the employer. Paid Leave will level the playing field for small businesses that have wanted to offer this benefit but haven’t been able to do so sustainably. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has developed helpful toolkits with resources for workers and businesses alike. The toolkit for workers can help you find out if you’re eligible for coverage, when Paid Leave can be used, how much time you can take, how you’ll be compensated, and more. The toolkit for businesses includes information about upcoming public engagement events, premium rates and contributions, equivalent plans for Paid Leave, and other FAQs.? This program has truly been years in the making, and I’m so excited for families in our community and throughout Minnesota to finally have peace of mind. As we get closer to the program’s rollout, I encourage you to check out all of the resources available at pl.mn.gov. Coon Rapids takes the prize!Coon Rapids Mayor Jerry Koch and Anoka Mayor Erik Skogquist recently faced off in a very important battle – a battle against hunger! The two cities engaged in some friendly competition to see who could collect the most food donations to benefit the ACBC Food Shelf and those in need. Coon Rapids took the prize with 3,204 pounds of food (which equals 2,670 meals) donated, and an additional $1,075 from the community and the Coon Rapids Police Association. All in, the drive brought in 4,853 pounds of food (equaling 4,044 meals) — 8 pallets of food! While Coon Rapids was declared the official winner, truly everyone wins when taking care of our communities like this. Thank you to everyone who contributed! Stay ConnectedNo matter what you celebrate this time of year, I wish you and your loved ones health, happiness, and joy as we begin anew in 2026. And as my first year as your State Representative comes to a close, I want to extend one more big thank you for trusting me with this honor. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out by 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. It is an honor and a privilege to represent you at the Capitol. All my best,?? Rep. Kari Rehrauer |