Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving and were able to take time with friends and family. This year I reconnected with loved ones and reflected about the values that are important to our community and what makes Minnesota such a special place to live and work.
I’m thankful for everything that our great state has to offer, but I am also looking toward the work that is still unfinished. Minnesotans need a pay raise, because too many people are working two or three jobs and are still struggling to make ends meet. Families are being forced to choose between a paycheck and caring for a loved one. Too many teachers are forced to spend their own earnings on supplies for their classrooms. The skilled professionals that care for Minnesota’s aging population and our most vulnerable citizens are underpaid and many can’t afford to continue their important work. College costs continue to rise, and more and more it looks like the pursuit of additional education and career training is out of reach for too many. It is clear we have a lot of unfinished business to ensure that all families have a fair chance at success.
As your representative I am always listening to what would improve life for you, your family, and our community. Please join others in our community by sharing what you value and how to move forward to achieve those goals, please take this opportunity to fill out a brief, four question survey.
I also wanted to pass on this quick note about the cold weather rule. In Minnesota, utilities cannot turn off a resident’s primary source of heat from October 15 through April 15 unless the utility sends the resident the following: a proposed disconnection notice; an explanation of the customer’s rights and responsibilities; a list of energy assistance providers; a form for the customer to declare an inability to pay; and details on available payment plans and other ways to secure heat service.
Some people can qualify for additional shut off protections if: the household income is less than 50% of the state’s median income; the household enters into and follows a payment plan; and the customer receives information on weatherizing their home, conservation or other programs that can help reduce a resident’s energy bill. If you or someone you know may benefit from these protections, please call the energy provider for more details or visit: http://mn.gov/puc/consumers/shut-off-protection/index.html.
Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Andrew Carlson
State Representative