Merry Christmas!

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December 21, 2021

Executive Summary

• Omicron Update
• UI Tax Update
• Ranking Minnesota's Tax Code
• Japanese Consul General Visits Maple Grove
• Maple Grove Police Ride-Along
• Remote House Undergraduate Internship Program

Omicron Update

With the arrival of the Omicron variant in the US and MN, experts are predicting a rise in Covid cases in the coming weeks. Based on data from other countries, it does not appear that the level of disease will be as severe as from earlier variants.  While this is good news, we want to continue to encourage good public health measures to ease the strain on our frontline workers and hospital capacity.

I know many people are concerned about gathering with multiple generations for the holidays and are eager to get tested, boosted or vaccinated. 

The first and best option is to go to your own doctor for any of these services.  Many physicians’ offices are booking well into the new year, however, so if you want to get an appointment earlier, you may want to try these resources:

Testing:  Local pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, Target, etc. have testing appointments.  The closest state-run testing site to our district is:

Starlite Testing Site in Brooklyn Park

8085 Brooklyn Blvd

Open 7 days a week

Weekdays: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Weekends: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

** The Brooklyn Park site will be closed on December 24, 25, 31 and January 1**

To schedule an appointment: www.mncovidtestingappt.as.me

Link with more information on testing: https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/community-testing.jsp

At-Home Test Kits: Many pharmacies have at-home test kits available, but they sell out quickly.  You can go online and check the websites for Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and CVS to see which locations have them in stock.  If they have them available online, you can also order online and then pick them up later.

Vaccines & Boosters: You can get an appointment with your doctor or a local pharmacy, including Sam’s Club, Costco, Walgreens, CVS, Hy-Vee, Cub, Target, Minute Clinics, Thrifty White, etc.  In addition, the closest state-run vaccination site to our district is at:

Hennepin Healthcare System 7650 Zane Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 Brooklyn Park, MN  55442 Directions (612) 873-2922 www.hennepinhealthcare.org

Link with more information on boosters:  https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/boosters/index.jsp

I hope these resources are helpful as you and your family plan for wonderful gatherings with family and friends this holiday season!

UI Tax Update

Last week the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) officially finalized an unemployment insurance (UI) tax increase on Minnesota businesses which will go into effect on January 1, 2022. As I previously shared with you, my colleagues and I wrote Gov. Walz three weeks ago urging action to prevent the tax hike, but the Governor has thus far declined to take action, making only vague commitments publicly. Letters started arriving from DEED informing businesses of the upcoming tax increase this week.

With a $7.7 billion budget surplus, and $1 billion in COVID relief funds still available, there is no reason for government to force Minnesota businesses to may higher UI taxes. We must get this fixed so employers don’t have a double-digit tax increase on top of the increased costs they are already facing from inflation, the worker shortage and supply chain problems. 

Ranking Minnesota's Tax Code

Last week, the Tax Foundation released its rankings of state business tax climate. Once again, Minnesota ranked 45th out of the 50 states for best tax climate. For comparison, our neighbor to the west, South Dakota, ranked #2 on the best tax climate list. Joining us in the bottom of the rankings are New Jersey (#50), New York (#49), and District of Columbia and California (tied at #48). 

It is clear that Minnesota needs tax reform if we are going to attract businesses and keep families and seniors in our state. With $7.7 billion surplus, it is clear the state is collecting too much from hard-working Minnesotans and it is time to return money back to the taxpayers and make our state more competitive. 

Japanese Consul General's Visit to Maple Grove

It was a great honor to welcome Japan's new Consul General, Hiroshii Tajima, on his first visit to Minnesota on Monday at Upsher-Smith Laboratories in Maple Grove! It was also a delight to see many old friends, including Ralph Inforzato, Chief Exec. Dir. of JETRO USA in Chicago & Rio Saito, Exec. Director of Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM)! It was exciting to see the growth of Upsher-Smith, which is owned by Sawai Pharmaceutical - they currently employ more than 500 in Maple Grove and will add an additional 250 jobs when their expansion is complete. Japan is the largest Foreign Direct Investor (FDI) in the United States and is Minnesota’s 4th largest export market. I look forward to continuing to deepen these partnerships and create more advanced manufacturing jobs in our state!

Maple Grove Police Ride-Along

So grateful for the opportunity to ride-along with Maple Grove Police Department last week! They respond to an amazing variety of issues in our city every shift with professionalism and compassion. It is truly remarkable! I am also thankful to see more citizens pulling over for emergency vehicles last night! That is the most important thing we all can do to show support for the officers.

Remote House Undergraduate Internship Program

Applications are open now through January 7 for the House Internship Program. 

The undergraduate internship program is structured around a focus on serving and learning. A sincere interest in public service is expected of all applicants for a House internship. A genuine desire to learn is also expected and in a dynamic and influential institution like the House, opportunities for learning abound.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

House interns will be assigned to serve (remotely!) in a member’s office or participating department. While expectations and opportunities will vary from office to office, all House interns will be required to serve a minimum of five hours per week. Responsibilities may include the following, all of which will be done remotely.

• Researching public policy
• Monitoring and reporting on committee meetings
• Researching and drafting responses to constituent inquiries
• Summarizing legislative materials, reports, and bills
• Conducting opinion surveys
• Drafting press releases
• Contacting legislators, lobbyists, and House staff

In addition to hands-on learning through their responsibilities with the assigned member’s office, House interns will attend weekly virtual meetings. Participation in this unique series of interviews, presentations, and discussions is mandatory, and will allow the interns to interact with House members and staff as well as guests from the executive and judicial branches. Topics will include lawmaking, public policy, public service, current affairs, and pending legislation.

Learn more and apply here. 

Please Contact Me

Many of you have already been in touch to discuss your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you. Thank you for sharing your ideas! Please continue to contact me to discuss any matters to which I can be of assistance.

The House is adjourned until January 31, 2022.  The best way to reach me is by email: rep.kristin.robbins@house.mn. For occasional updates, you can follow my Facebook Page at @RepKristinRobbins. You can also leave a voicemail on my office number, 651-296-7806, which is checked a couple of times/week.

Merry Christmas!

Kristin

225 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.7806