Neighbors, This is an exciting time as students and teachers head back to the classroom. I know my little ones are looking forward to seeing their friends again and meeting their new teachers! This year there are several new reasons to anticipate the new school year: - Free breakfast and lunch for all students saving families hundreds of dollars annually.
- Better access to mental health services by helping districts hire more school counselors, psychologists, nurses, and social workers.
- Record funding for local school districts to ease reliance on property taxes as a funding source.
- $1 million in additional state funding for area schools.
- More prekindergarten opportunities to help our youngest learners get a great start in life.
I wish a successful school year to all students, families, and teachers!  Storm Damage AssistanceMany of you may have property damage from recent area storms. It is important for you to know where to turn if you need help. The Minnesota Department of Commerce has a Disaster Response Guide to help walk you through next steps. Community EventsI recently attended a Minnesota Social Services Association breakfast with human services and housing leaders. A Nicollet County Human Service eligibility worker brought up a concern about emergency general assistance. I set up a meeting with the Department of Human Services and am getting legislation drafted to help solve the problem in the 2024 legislative session.  Local care facilities benefitting from part of $173 million in new state fundingOn August 1, local nursing homes received a significant amount of new state funding as part of a bipartisan agreement to stabilize a sector of the economy facing financial hardship. The legislature and governor worked together to provide support to our most vulnerable Minnesotans. We approved record amounts of funding for nursing homes throughout the state including several in Mankato. We saw the great need for our nursing homes, and I was proud to cast my vote to support these facilities and the workers who care for our loved ones. Of these initial investments, $1,030,087 has been delivered to nursing homes in Mankato on August 1, including: - $251,070 to Pathstone Living
- $283,202 to Hillcrest Rehabilitation Center
- $253,078 to Oaklawn Rehabilitation Center
- $243,037 to Laurels Peak Rehabilitation Center
In addition, the same amount will be delivered to each facility on August 1, 2024. Stay connected with the LegislatureDuring the legislative interim, you can continue to visit the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here. The 2024 legislative session convenes at noon on February 12. I look forward to seeing you in the community over the next few months and I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn.gov or call me at (651) 296-3248. Also, please visit and “like” my Facebook page for more Capitol and community updates. Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature. Sincerely, Luke Frederick State Representative |