Dear Neighbors, The 2022 Legislative Session convened at noon Monday. The session will focus on how we can use the state’s historic $7.7 billion projected positive budget balance to best help Minnesotans across the state. The past two years have been very difficult, but the legislature has an opportunity to help Minnesotans most hurt by the fallout from COVID-19. House DFLers are focused on the issues important to Minnesotans - reducing everyday budget expenses like childcare, housing, and health care. We are also committed to fully funding public safety, so all Minnesotans feel safe where they live. Recently, House DFLers recently announced Public Safety, Economic Security, Climate Action and Education plans to help Minnesotans recover and thrive. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help Minnesotans overcome all the challenges we’ve faced. We have made progress and will continue to work on solutions this session. You can watch the legislative sessions here, and can also catch up on all the action from the Capitol by reading Session Daily. Help For Workers Passes MN HouseYesterday, the Minnesota House passed HF 1203, which would extend the law providing a presumption that if public safety or health care workers contract COVID-19, they did so during the course of their employment and are covered by workers’ compensation. The legislation passed on a bipartisan vote of 124-8. The previous law allowing for this presumption sunsetted on December 31, 2021. The new bill would extend the presumption to January 13, 2023, and will impact firefighters; peace and police officers; paramedics; EMTs; health care providers, nurses or assistive employees in a health care, home care or long-term care setting who work with COVID-19 patients; correctional officers or security counselors at correctional facilities; and childcare providers who are required to provide childcare for the children of first responders and health care workers under the Governor’s Executive Orders. Committee WorkMy first bill of the session was heard yesterday in the Commerce Committee. HF2342 is a technical consumer protection bill regarding debt settlement enrolled agents and passed unanimously with bi-partisan support. The bill has broad support from organizations like Legal Aid, the National Association of Enrolled Agents, and the Minnesota Society of CPAs. COVID-19 UpdateCOVID-19 numbers are declining but the virus continues to persist throughout Minnesota. By getting vaccinated, tested, receiving your booster, and taking measures to keep yourself and your family safe, we can help continue to drive those numbers down, help our health care workers and keep each other safe. Families can now order up to 4 free COVID tests from the government. Go to https://www.covidtests.gov/ to get your test kits and many more resources. Black History MonthCelebrating Black History is celebrating American History. I’m grateful for the immeasurable contributions Black Minnesotans have made to Minnesota’s history.  |