Legislative Update - Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear Neighbors, 

Infrastructure has been a frequent topic at the state and federal level lately, including projects right in our community. Earlier this month, the House Capital Investment Committee made a stop in our district as part of their statewide tour of public infrastructure proposals. For our neck of the woods, they were here to hear from our community about investing in the Mill Towns State Trail. KYMN did a piece about the stop that you can read here - and thank you to everyone that came out to advocate for the trail!

Next session, I’ll be advocating for this project’s inclusion in our Capital Investment Bill (sometimes called a Bonding Bill). In addition to this legislation, more funds will be coming into the state sooner to help build back better thanks to the federal infrastructure bill that was signed into law by President Biden last week. The specifics of where the funds will go still need to be worked out, but generally we know that our state will receive the following:

• $4.5 billion for highways
• $302 million for bridges
• $100 million for broadband internet
• $68 million for electric vehicle charging stations
• $818 million for public transportation
• $680 million for clean water

Vaccines for 5 and Older, Boosters Available for All

Unfortunately, we are yet again seeing an unsustainable increase in COVID-19 cases in our state, which is pushing many hospitals toward capacity. This pressure is greatly impacting emergency rooms, and even those who are seeking attention for a condition other than COVID are facing lengthy waits for care. Minnesota Public Radio highlighted the difficulties many hospitals are encountering in delivering timely emergency care and response.

Some good news - last week, the CDC approved booster shots for all adults aged 18 or older to extend the efficacy of the vaccine. If it’s been six months or longer since you’ve received your initial vaccine series (or over 2 months if you got Johnson & Johnson), please consider getting a booster. More information about boosters is available here.

These difficulties highlight the importance of as many people getting vaccinated as possible to both prevent the virus from spreading and to help prevent serious illness or hospitalization, particularly those with underlying conditions. If you’ve been hesitant or skeptical, now is the time. As Minnesotans, we care about one another, and it’s heartbreaking to see stories of people hospitalized experiencing regret for not getting the shot. Everyone age 5 or older is now eligible. A map of locations offering the vaccine is available here.

Legislative Champion of Small Cities Award

Recently, I received the Legislative Champion of Small Cities Award for my work to secure $18 million in funding and a specific account for the repair of roads and bridges for cities of 5000 people or less. Currently in Minnesota, cities of under 5000 people do not have a dedicated funding stream for road and bridge repairs. I grew up in a town of 700 people and know that our smallest cities need safe roads and bridges too. The establishment of this account and this funding is an important step towards that goal.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you and yours have a safe, healthy, and warm Thanksgiving. Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule is now in place, ensuring we all stay warm this winter. If you or someone you know is having trouble paying an electricity or gas bill, you can find helpful information on the Public Utility Commission’s website.

For our work in the House, we’re getting ready for the 2022 Legislative Session that begins in January. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for our work next year, please feel free to reach out to me. For now, it looks like our work will continue to be done remotely in the House, so the best way to touch base with me is through email at rep.todd.lippert@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely, 

Todd Lippert

State Representative