Greetings District 10!
This weekend is the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Let us take a moment to remember those we lost, and honor the heroes that stepped up during our darkest time. Through it all, the American spirit prevailed. We will never forget!
Enhanced Unemployment Benefits End This Week
Enhanced Unemployment benefits through Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) of an additional $300 a week on top of regular unemployment benefits ended September 4, 2021. I am pleased that the enhancements and extensions to unemployment benefits are being phased out.
Child Care Economic Development Grants Now Open for Applications
Funds will provide solutions to reduce childcare shortages
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has launched the latest round of Child Care Economic Development Grants. These grants authorize $5 million over the next two fiscal years for grants to local communities to increase quality childcare providers to support economic development across Minnesota.
Program funds can be used for childcare business startups or expansions, training, facility modifications, direct subsidies, or incentives to retain employees, or improvements required for licensing, and assistance with licensing and other regulatory requirements. Learn more about this program or to apply: Childcare Grants
Minnesota Lakes in Good Shape—Clean Water Council Update
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recently released the results of an effort to gauge the health of the state’s major recreational lakes. In the first statewide study of its kind, 75% of Minnesota lakes met water quality standards for recreation such as swimming and wading.
The Clean Water Fund has made a tremendous difference in determining the condition of Minnesota lakes. This ongoing study is funded by the Clean Water Fund, which is derived from the Legacy Amendment sales tax approved by voters in 2008.
Thanks to the Clean Water Fund, we understand the water quality of lakes across the state, more importantly, Clean Water Funds are being used to develop restoration and protection strategies to improve and maintain water quality to benefit Minnesotans today and into the future.
Since passage of the Clean Water Legacy Act, the MPCA has followed a watershed approach to studying water resources. The Clean Water Funds make it possible to monitor lakes, rivers, and streams throughout an average of eight watersheds each year. Full Story Here: MN Lakes
Rain Allows Easing of Wildfire Restrictions in Minnesota
With cautious optimism, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is adjusting some wildfire-related restrictions in Minnesota due to improved field conditions. While a large portion of the state remains in drought conditions, recent rain events have decreased, though not eliminated, wildfire risk in northern & central Minnesota. Beginning September 3, the new direction replaces this season’s previous DNR restrictions on burning, dispersed and backcountry camping, and mechanized activities with new burning restrictions that are more limited in both scope and geographic extent.
The new Class III restrictions affect the eastern portion of Roseau County and all of Beltrami, Becker, Cass, Clearwater, Cook, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Ottertail, St. Louis, and Wadena counties. These restrictions do not apply to tribal lands. Under these restrictions:
- No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, or backcountry camping on all state, county, or private lands. Camping stoves are permitted.
- Attended campfires in established fire rings associated with a home, cabin, campground, or resort are allowed.
- No fireworks may be ignited on any public or private land outside city limits. People should check with their local community for any additional restrictions.
- Open burning permits are restricted.
- Areas of Closure for state lands on the Gunflint Trail and around the Greenwood Fire remain in place and are not affected by the updated burning restrictions.
More Details: Wildfire Restrictions
Pine River Fish Project Provides Legacy for Minnesota
The Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and Crow Wing County Highway completed the Pine River Fish Project installation in the Fall of 2020. The project is located on the Pine River South of Crosslake—off Big Pine Trail. This project created a five-rock riffle structure that mimics a natural stream’s riffles and pools. These structures replaced a 50 year-old dam that was eroding away. Rock riffles act like a series of steps that maintain upstream Big Pine Lake elevations while allowing fish to pass. Smallmouth bass and walleye can now migrate from the Mississippi River upstream to 15 additional lakes and 12 additional miles of connectivity.
This project is a great example of local and state governments and citizen groups working together to improve our community. Over the summer, anglers, paddlers, and Minnesotans have enjoyed this scenic site.
Partners Included: Big Pine Lake Association, Crow Wing County, US Army Corps of Engineers, City of Crosslake, Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District, Minnesota Native Landscape, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Funding was provided from the Outdoor Heritage Fund as part of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. Watch project start to finish: Project Video
Thank you for taking the time to read my legislative update. If you’re looking to hear more from the Capitol, please like me on Facebook.
As always please feel free to contact my office with any questions you might have. My office can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4913 or at sen.carrie.ruud@senate.mn.
Talk to you soon!
Carrie Ruud