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Dear Neighbors,
An important deadline for our frontline workers is just a week away. July 22 is the last day for healthcare workers, educators, retail, and food service workers and more to apply for a bonus for work during the height of the pandemic. Money set aside for this program will be split equally among all approved applicants. Encourage any frontline workers you know to apply and to spread the word to friends and family.
In July 2021, the state legislature passed the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP), which dedicates $4 million per year to ensure every Minnesota firefighter will have access to the education, prevention and care needed to handle a cardiac, emotional trauma or cancer diagnosis.
The program has already had an immense impact on firefighters' lives across the state – with free health and wellness resources to protect our hometown heroes and their families. Learn more here.
According to Minnesota Management and Budget, the net general fund receipts for FY 2022 are now estimated to total $30.329 billion, $2.927 billion (10.7 percent) more than projected in the February 2022 Budget and Economic Forecast. Most of the higher-than-expected revenue reflects the timing of payments from Pass-Through-Entities (PTE). Over the next six months it is expected these revenues will be largely offset by related tax credits and refunds. It is believed at the close of fiscal year 2022, state revenues associated with tax year 2021 are at least $1 billion over forecast.
Overall, there is some evidence in Minnesota’s tax revenues consistent with a slowing economy. Since February our national forecasters have consistently lowered their expectations for U.S. economic growth in 2022-2025, and they say the risk of a recession beginning in the next 12 months is increasing. You can find more information on this month's economic forecast here.
Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order free at-home COVID-19 tests. Click here to place your order. You can also call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). More COVID-19 updates are available through the Minnesota Department of Health website, or the U of M Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP).
During an election period, legislators cannot use state resources for unsolicited communications because it might create an unfair advantage for incumbents. Next week, I will send my last weekly update until after the election. I am still available to help with the state-level problems and to discuss important issues in our community, so please reach out if I can assist in any way.
You can stay up to date on our work by subscribing to these legislative updates and “liking” my official Facebook page. For any questions you have on the resources available to our community or our work in the Minnesota House, you can reach me at rep.andrew.carlson@house.mn or leave a voicemail at (651) 296-4218. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Andrew Carlson
State Representative
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