Legislative Update: Committee Hearings Begin

Dear Neighbors,

With the Minnesota House finally organized, committees began official hearings this week. Under the bipartisan power-sharing agreement that was reached, House Republicans currently control committees - with GOP Chairs and voting majorities. That would shift to balanced membership and bipartisan co-chairs if the March special election in Roseville reverts us back to a tie, which is anticipated.

For my part, I serve on the Rules and Legislative Administration Committee, which is key to running the Minnesota House. Here, I’ll make sure Republicans don’t shy away from their power-sharing promises, and ensure the House is run in a bipartisan manner.

I’m also on the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee, and the Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee. Work on both of these committees this year will make up our constitutionally required state budget, which will fund their respective areas for the next two years. 

Last but not least is the Capital Investment Committee, where I’ll serve as DFL Vice Chair once we revert back to a tie. While not a required component of our budget, this committee is crucial for funding infrastructure projects in Mankato and throughout the state. Notably, Republican obstructionism prevented a Capital Investment bill from being passed last year - so I’ll be working twice as hard to make up for lost time in this area. 

Connecting with Community

I’m so grateful for the meetings I had with constituents while working from Mankato these previous weeks. Even though I’ll be spending more time in St. Paul, I’m glad folks are touching base with me at the State Capitol too. Like the Mankato Ophthalmologists, who spent the day advocating for eye/patient safety!

Whether I’m in Mankato or St. Paul, please continue to reach out to me to discuss your legislative needs!

Help with High Heating Costs?

I hope you’re staying warm. Even as hearty Minnesotans, these subzero temperatures are brutal. If you’re experiencing high heating bills this winter, an initiative the state legislature strengthened in 2021 may help lower costs.

Many homeowners needing basic home improvements (repairing windows, removing asbestos, repairing cracked foundations or siding) often face challenges paying upfront for these pre-weatherization measures.

Minnesotans using CenterPoint or Xcel Energy can schedule an appointment with the Home Energy Squad to visit their homes to identify low cost energy-saving solutions. Each visit is approximately two hours, and during that time, the Home Energy Squad will perform various energy-saving tests, inspect your insulation, heating and cooling systems, and water heater.

The cost for visits varies based on income, so people can expect to pay as little as nothing, and up to $100. There is also an option to receive text messages or emails directly from the Home Energy Squad if a cancellation occurs and they can move the visit up earlier.

CenterPoint Energy estimated that this conservation program has saved Minnesotans $25 million collectively during just one cold weather event. Learn more by clicking the link above. You can also learn about potential pre-weatherization rebates, and if you are eligible here. 

Stay connected with the Legislature

With committees underway, the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services will once again be offering nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. You can also visit my House of Representatives website.

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