Dear Neighbors, This August we have more new laws being enacted, the state fair only weeks away, and for the next few days eligible Minnesotans can still apply for the e-bike rebate program! Minnesota's e-bike rebate program returned this summer with updated income-based eligibility and disability qualifications. Instead of the usual rush to be first in line, the Minnesota Department of Revenue is switching to a lottery system. Applications are currently open on the MN Department of Revenue's online portal through August 7 at 2 p.m. Submit only one application per person - duplicates will be deleted. You can also sign up for the official rebate email list for more updates. August’s New Laws My previous update covered the state budget and new laws that went into effect on July 1st. While much of our new laws were enacted on that date, we had a few more do the same at the start of August.
We clarified eminent domain laws, allowed some confidentiality for restorative justice participants, waived certain fees for the Office of Ombudsperson for American Indian Families, strengthened our laws against repeat DWI offenders, and more!
MPR provided a nice overview of some of August’s new laws that you can read here, and a full comprehensive list of the month’s laws can be found here. Disaster Response Guide It seems like this summer is alternating between smokey and stormy, with a few classic Minnesota summer days in between. For those of you who have been hit hard by the storms, and to prepare for the future, I wanted to highlight the Minnesota Commerce Department’s Disaster Response Guide. The Minnesota Department of Commerce, which provides consumers with protections and enforces insurance laws for the State of Minnesota, offers Minnesotans guidance on steps to take when filing an insurance claim after storms damage their home, business or other property from recent storms. Key tips for filing insurance claims to your property: - Contact your insurance company immediately.
- Wait for the company’s adjuster before you or anyone starts working to remove or repair or replace property.
- Inventory your damage.
- Take notes of who you talk with and what they say from your insurance company, adjusters or repair services. Note dates, names and contact information.
- Avoid scammers or high-pressure sales tactics if you are contacted by someone you don’t know, such as salespeople going door-to-door in areas hit by storms.
Question or complaint about your insurance company? If you have questions, complaints or problems with your insurance company, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce Consumer Services Center: - By phone: 651-539-1600 or 800-657-3602
- By email: consumer.protection@state.mn.us.
You can submit a complaint online or call Commerce’s Consumer Services Center. Stay Connected Thank you to everyone that joined us for our virtual Town Hall last month! We had some great conversations, and I’ll be sure to let you know when our next event is scheduled! Regardless of whether or not you were able to join us, always feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or ideas you have to make our community and state better. You can reach me at rep.david.gottfried@house.mn.gov or 651-296-7153. You’ll either hear back from me or my Legislative Assistant, Isabel. To keep up with my work in the House, you can either check out my legislative webpage, or follow along on my official Facebook page. Thank you again for placing your trust in me. I can’t wait to see what we can build together! Sincerely, David Gottfried State Representative House District 40B |