 Dear Neighbors,
I hope you?ve been enjoying summer. The extensive rain we?ve been getting has triggered?a federal disaster declaration in 22 Minnesota counties by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for severe flooding over the last two weeks. The declaration will provide resources to reimburse communities for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repair and replacement of damaged infrastructure. As you?re making plans for the Fourth, be sure to check the Minnesota Department of Transportation?s road status updates here to see how your travels may be impacted - and stay safe!
If you?re staying in town for the holiday weekend, I hope you can join Apple Valley neighbors and me for a casual community coffee hour at Dunn Bros (15265 Galaxie Ave.) at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 6th. These events are nonpartisan and everyone is always welcome to engage in a constructive dialogue. I hope to see you there!
New Laws Take Effect
Several new laws took effect on Monday as a result of our work enacting more solutions to grow the state?s middle class and ensure all Minnesotans have the opportunity to build a better life for themselves and their families. One new initiative I authored makes it easier for older Minnesotans to enroll in defensive driving courses to enhance safety and get a break on their car insurance. It's a time-saving win-win for public safety, while making life a little more affordable for seniors on a fixed income. You can read the StarTribune?s write up on the new law here.
Working alongside Minnesotans, Democrats delivered new investments to lower costs and improve the lives of people across the state. We are investing in childhood literacy, early learning opportunities, stronger delivery models for Emergency Medical (ambulance) Services, delivering ticket price transparency for concerts, games, and events, additional major investments to fix our housing crisis, innovating in technologies like solar and geothermal, and supporting our electric grid to help meet our clean energy goals, expanding our nation-leading Child Tax Credit, and eliminating prior authorization in health, delivering new investments in substance use disorder treatment, services for people with disabilities, and other vulnerable Minnesotans. This just scratches the surface of what an effective, deliberate, and forward-thinking elected body can do for the people they represent.?
You can read more about these new laws from the nonpartisan office of House Public Information here.?
Lawns to Legumes
Do you want your lawn to be more pollinator-friendly? Minnesota residents can now apply for spring 2025 Lawns to Legumes funding. The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching, and gardening resources.
Anyone can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitats in their yards. Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you must reapply to be considered for spring 2025 funding.?
Apply online at Blue Thumb?s website. For more information about Lawns to Legumes, visit the Board of Water and Soil Resources? website.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to keep in touch! I appreciate your input and questions and can be reached at [email protected] or 651-296-5506. You?re also welcome to follow me on my official Facebook page here for more State Capitol and community updates.?
Have a safe and Happy Fourth of July!
Robert Bierman
State Representative
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