Dear Neighbors,
Last night I had a chance to visit Detroit Lakes as part of the Kids Count on Us rural child care tour. I heard stories from providers and parents, all sharing concerns for how we are showing up for our youngest community members and the amazing educators who care for them. As the mother of a two year old, this issue is deeply personal for me. I believe that childcare needs to be accessible, affordable, and high-quality for kids and families, and it also needs to be a system which pays workers well and offers them fair compensation for the challenging and vital work they do. The concerns about child care in rural Minnesota are the same as the ones I have heard here in South Minneapolis. I commit to making child care a priority next session, and if you have a story about child care I’d love to hear from you.
You’re Invited to a Coffee Hour
Please join me tomorrow, Friday 10/27 for a coffee hour at Milkweed Coffee. I am excited to talk about your legislative priorities for next session and how we can continue to deliver for our district.
HERC Closure
Many constituents have reached out to me about the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) and the proposal by Hennepin County to close the trash incinerator in North Minneapolis. Community members and environmental advocates have been working for years to shut down this trash incinerator which has polluted the community and contributed to negative health impacts. I support closing the HERC at the soonest possible date, and I am committed to working with the county to provide the resources and support needed to transition our waste management system and to find replacement energy sources.
High School Page Program
Over the last 45 years the High School Page Program has been dedicated to providing students with an opportunity to learn and serve in the Minnesota House of Representatives. The program remains wholly dedicated to providing students with a unique, challenging, and enriching educational experience. Throughout the course of their week in Saint Paul, High School Page Program participants are engaged in a wide variety of activities designed to provide them with an understanding of the legislative process, state government, public policy, public service, politics, and much more! The Minnesota House of Representatives High School Page Program is open to all Minnesota high school students in their Junior year. Program participants are selected in the fall of each year based on a formal process which includes an application, faculty recommendation, and an essay. Please share with Juniors in our district, and learn more here.
Energy Assistance Program
Open now until May 31, 2024, the Energy Assistance Program helps pay energy bills for eligible Minnesotans. This program is free and provides benefits up to $1,400, with additional support to respond to emergencies. Both renters and homeowners can qualify, and eligibility is based on income and household size. This program is federally funded and administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Application materials can be accessed here.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.samantha.sencer-mura@house.mn.gov or 651-297-7087. You can also follow my Facebook page.
In community,
Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura
Minnesota House of Representatives