 Dear Neighbors, As we approach the end of 2021, we have a chance to reflect back and look forward. I'm truly honored and humbled to serve you in the legislature. I'd like to take this chance to note some of my legislative highlights from the last year, as well as some hopes for the next session.  Highlights of 2021: - We passed major investments into local public health, small businesses, childcare, student mental health care, and our K-12 schools.
- I secured an $18 million investment to support road and bridge repairs for cities under 5,000 people.
- I worked with state and local leaders to restore funding for the incredible work of Northfield Promise.
- I partnered with local farmers to increase cost share grants for soil health practices by over $5 million. These practices benefit the soil, water quality, climate, and reduce the risks of flooding downstream.
- I passed legislation increasing tree planting for carbon sequestration and to help cities replace trees lost to Emerald Ash Borer.
Hopes for next session: - It's truly important that we're able to put politics aside and pass paid family and medical leave, which would allow up to 12 weeks of paid leave for workers to bond with a new child, and take care of themselves or a family member due to a serious health emergency.
- The projected $7.7 billion surplus is an opportunity for us to address deep needs in our state. Affordable childcare, affordable housing, and scaling up weatherization efforts to save people money on electric bills and address climate emissions, are all top priorities of mine heading into the next legislative session.
Boosters Available for All I was grateful to be able to get my COVID-19 booster this week. I encourage everyone 16 and older who is fully vaccinated to get their booster to protect against the Omicron variant of COVID-19, as well as the Delta variant. If you aren’t vaccinated, you can still get vaccinated and join the 78% of eligible Minnesotans who have received the shots.
As we enter holiday season, we can renew our commitment to care for one another (and ourselves), by getting the COVID-19 vaccine and booster. Continued thanks to our health care providers and all who continue care for us through the pandemic. How Minnesotans can get their free shot: - Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
- Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
- Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
- Walk in to or make an appointment at one of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination sites.
- Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline
- 1-833-431-2053
- Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 7:00pm & Saturday 10:00am – 6:00pm
How Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test: If you have any questions about the COVID-19 resources available to our community, please feel free to reach out to me.  Minnesota House Internship ProgramThe Minnesota House will be administering a remote Undergraduate Internship Program for the 2022 legislative session. For a detailed description of the program click on the following link: https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sergeant/internship They have developed an educational component that will consist of two offerings, both of which will be interactive and conducted via the Zoom platform: the Ideas and Issues Forum will use a variety of formats to provide the interns with a window into the House, the legislature, and state government. Profiles in Public Service will be a series of interviews with House Members, staff members, and guests from the executive and judicial branches focused on serving the greater good. Applications close January 7th, 2022. Happy Holidays!I hope you and yours have a safe, healthy, and warm holiday season. 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.  As always, please feel free to reach out to me at rep.todd.lippert@house.mn or at 651-296-0171. I look forward to hearing from you! In service, Todd Lippert State Representative |