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Dear Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you well! As we approach the halfway point to the 2023 legislative session, the flurry of activity continues as bills are discussed, amended, and advancing through committees and the House Floor.

A friendly reminder I?ll be hosting a casual Community Coffee Hour tomorrow at Dunn Bros in Apple Valley on Galaxie Avenue at 9:00 a.m. I?ll provide a quick status update on our progress at the Capitol and then we?ll go right to your questions and concerns.

I?ve been busy this week presenting my bills with a particular focus on expansion of mental health care access and lower energy costs for our neighbors in Apple Valley.

Here?s an update from the Capitol:

House Advances Bipartisan Public Works & Infrastructure Projects Bill

Last session, a bipartisan agreement was reached on the framework of legislation to invest in local jobs and projects throughout Minnesota, but like many important proposals, Republican leadership in the Senate chose to walk away instead of completing this work.

Efforts to deliver on that legislation never stopped for us, and now the Minnesota House has taken the first bipartisan step in finishing the business of 2022 by approving nearly $1.9 billion in investments for local jobs and projects throughout the state.

Local projects for Apple Valley and Dakota County were included in the bills:

• $18,025,000 for the Minnesota Zoo for asset preservation and to improve the Zoo?s Animal Hospital
  
  
• $5,000,000 million for the Dakota County Greenway
  
  
• $1,382,000 for my initiative to build an inclusive and accessible playground in Apple Valley

These and other projects are crucial to communities throughout the state, and inflation is only causing them to go up higher in cost the longer we delay. This legislation requires a supermajority to pass, meaning the Senate, like the House, will need Republican support to get this funding over the finish line.

I hope you?ll join me in calling on Senate Republicans to swiftly pass this legislation.

Bills Moving

Improving Access to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Care

My bill to streamline how mental health and chemical dependency care is billed through a collaborative care model was heard this early this week, which will help increase access to the treatment people need to recover and thrive. You can learn more here.

Solar Energy Tax Credits

Another bill of mine was heard this week in the Taxes Committee. H.F. 2311, allows a temporary refundable income tax credit equal for solar energy system installation to both businesses and homeowners?the maximum credit for homeowners is $2,500 and the maximum credit for businesses is $15,000.

Lower Energy Costs

This week, my legislation to expand weatherization program eligibility was discussed in the House Climate and Energy Committee. It would help close energy efficiency access gaps for the most vulnerable Minnesotans, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create jobs and economic benefits in every corner of our state.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime at [email protected] or 651-296-5506 with input, questions, or to let me know how I can be of assistance.

It?s an honor to represent you and our Apple Valley neighbors at the State Capitol.

Have a safe weekend and hope to see you Saturday ahead of the snow,

Robert Bierman
State Representative