Dear Friends,
Greetings from Saint Paul! The Minnesota legislature is back in session, and I’m excited to be back working for the communities of Owatonna and Waseca.
The 2014 session began on a bipartisan note, with Republicans and Democrats coming together to quickly pass $20 million in additional funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by a unanimous vote of 133-0.
LIHEAP funding was scheduled to run out in the coming weeks. Demand has been exceptionally high this winter due to the extreme cold and the spike in propane prices following the propane shortage crisis last month.
I was proud to be a co-sponsor of this bill–Minnesotans have a proud tradition of coming together and supporting those in need by providing assistance to families who struggle to heat their homes in the winter.
Passing this funding was the right thing to do, and will alleviate a great deal of stress and financial hardship for a number of Minnesota families.
The Senate passed a similar measure, and it has been signed by the Governor.
Highway 14 Update
My door is always open as session continues, and I am always seeking your input, suggestions and feedback so I can better serve our community. I look forward to continuing to be a strong voice for our area at the Capitol, and am continually grateful for the opportunity to work for you in St. Paul.
Take care, and stay warm,
John Petersburg
State Representative, District 24A