Reminder: Community Coffee Hour Tomorrow

Dear Neighbors,

Early this week, the House Speaker, Senate Majority Leader, and Governor Walz reached an agreement on a framework for a new state budget. This is the efficiency and cooperation Minnesotans expect and deserve from their elected leaders. Work in legislative committees is winding down, and chairs will now be hard at work assembling their respective budget bills. Beginning in April, committee work will conclude and each chamber will pass budget bills off the floor. 

I hope you’ll be able to join me to discuss our progress at a community coffee hour tomorrow, this Saturday in Apple Valley at Dunn Bros (15265 Galaxie Ave.) at 9:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend this casual, nonpartisan gathering. 

Protecting Patient Care in Minnesota

Health care doesn’t work if people can’t access it. In a volatile market of corporate competition and consolidation, Minnesotans deserve strong protections to ensure they can access health care when they need it at a price they can afford.

I'm carrying legislation to help with these endeavors by putting in place a streamlined structure for the state to more effectively regulate proposed transactions and mergers among health care entities now and into the future. You can watch my opening remarks on the bill in front of the Health Finance committee here. 

State Competitiveness Fund 

Last yesterday evening, the Minnesota House passed a bill ensuring that Minnesota is in the best position to unlock federal funds for clean energy projects, meet our climate goals, and transition to a cleaner future. The bill invests $115 million to unlock billions in federal funding, and will create good-paying union jobs and ensure that everyone can benefit from this clean energy transition.

Delivering Emergency Rental Assistance 

The House recently approved HF 1440, which will provide emergency funding to Minnesota’s Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program. Rent and COVID-related protections and resources are expiring, and many families are struggling. This funding will help families who are at risk of losing their homes stay housed while they get back on their feet. 

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Announces Free Park Days

Each year, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers ‘Free Park Days’, free entry to any of our beautiful state parks in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. These are the dates for 2023 to save on your calendar: 

• Saturday, April 22
• Saturday, June 10
• Saturday, September 9
• Friday, November 24

With all the snow we’ve gotten this year, I’m looking forward to enjoying the milder temperatures and our green spaces.

Keep in Touch

Even if you can’t make it tomorrow, I hope you’ll continue to reach out with questions or input.

Thank you for the honor of serving our Apple Valley neighbors at the State Capitol! 

Have a great weekend,

Robert Bierman
State Representative