April 9, 2019 | Energy, Consumers

Cold Weather Rule protection ends April 15; Applications due May 31

For Immediate Release:

SAINT PAUL, MN – The Cold
Weather Rule that protects Minnesotans from natural gas or electricity
shut-off will end on April 15, but that date, and the warmer weather,
does not necessarily mean Minnesota households are done struggling to
pay their energy bills. Households across the state are still paying the
price for high winter heating bills.

Minnesota Commerce Commissioner
Steve Kelley urges low-income residents who need help paying their
energy bills to apply for the state’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
and establish a payment plan with their utility, if they haven’t done so
already. Minnesotans using delivered fuels such as fuel oil, propane or
wood to heat their homes are also eligible for EAP grants even though
they are not covered by the Cold Weather Rule.

EAP funds are limited and households are served on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program on the Commerce website for information.

“I encourage seniors, veterans,
people with disabilities, families with children or anyone struggling to
pay their energy bills to apply for Energy Assistance. We want to make
sure that everyone stays warm and safe while we make it through the
spring,” said Kelley. “Funds are still available, so those in need
should apply now to make sure they can get the help they need.”

Act now to avoid disconnection

Kelley encourages Minnesotans
who struggle with heating costs to contact their utility now to
establish and maintain a monthly payment plan. Most payment plans under
the Cold Weather Rule last from October 15 until April 15. To avoid
disconnection after April 15, customers who still owe a balance on their
bill should contact their utility before the Cold Weather Rule ends and
ask if they can continue their payment plan or establish a new payment
plan.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) administers the Cold Weather Rule. For more information on the rule, visit the PUC website, email consumer.puc@state.mn.us, or call 651-296-0406 or 800-657-3782.

How to apply for Energy Assistance Program

The Commerce Department
administers EAP in partnership with 29 local service providers in the
state. The program helps renters and homeowners earning at or below 50
percent of the state’s median income ($49,698 for a family of four)
obtain grant money to help pay their heating bills. Energy assistance
funds go directly to the energy provider on behalf of eligible
households. The average annual grant per household is about $545.

Last year, the program helped
more than 126,000 Minnesota households. EAP is federally funded through
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

To apply for EAP, contact the local service provider in your county. To determine your service provider, visit the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program
on the Commerce website or call 1-800-657-3710. Applications must be
received or postmarked by May 31, 2019 for EAP benefits for the
2018-2019 program year benefits.

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By Jess Bengtson (Crookston Times)

(Crookston, Minn.)- Senator Mark Johnson asked
Jami Lee, Tri-Valley Child Nutrition Manager to testify on behalf of Tri-Valley
for the Good Food Access Fund hearing to the Senate Agriculture, Rural
Development, Housing, and Finance Committee on Monday, March 18.

Lee says, “1 in 4 community members impacted by
food access challenges are children.  It is critical that low-income
families have access to healthy food within a reasonable distance. This is why
supporting continuous funding for such an important topic is so vital.”

The Good Food Access Fund (S.F. 1354) helps address the problem of Minnesotans having limited or no access to healthy, affordable foods, like fruits and vegetables, dairy, whole grains, lean meats and poultry.  The limited access increases health related risks and aids in the alarming increased rate of obesity in today’s society.  The Good Food Access Program has proven positive impacts on improving access to healthy, affordable foods while boosting Minnesota’s local economy.

(Photo) – Jami is third from the right

Jami Lee (Nutrition Services Manager) speaks at a press conference for the farm to school bill on Wednesday, February 13, at the capitol.

WHAT IS “FARM TO HEAD START?” “Farm to Head Start” is a type of Farm to Early Care initiative. Farm to Early Care initiatives connect young children with healthy, locally grown foods and support farmers in their communities. Farm to Early Care’s three core components are serving locally grown foods in Early Care meals and snacks, offering food and farming-related educational activities for children and organizing food and farming-related family engagement activities.

Tri-Valley Opportunity Council operates a unique Head Start program, serving the children of migrant farm workers who travel to Minnesota during the growing season. The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy recognized the opportunity to create a meaningful connection for children between their families’ deep ties to farming and the foods in their meals through Farm to Head Start activities. Relatively new to her position as Tri-Valley’s Nutrition Services Manager, Jami was eager to find new ways to help children develop positive eating habits. She also recognized the potential for Farm to Head Start to help meet that goal, and was enthusiastic about the idea of supporting farmers while teaching children where their food comes from. Both IATP and Tri-Valley saw Farm to Head Start as a chance to highlight the crucial work migrant families do to feed the community.

The 2019 Farm to Head Start Case Study

Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. will hold three community forums in the month of February. Two of the forums will be held on Wednesday, February 20. The Polk County community forum will be held in Crookston at the Crookston Family Service Center (1407 Erskine St.) and will run from 9-10 am. The Marshall County community forum on February 20 will be held in Warren at the Marshall County Courthouse (meeting room 1) from 2-3 pm. On Thursday, February 21, the Norman County community forum will be held in Ada at the Norman County Courthouse Annex (conference room next to Sheriff’s office) from 2 – 3 pm. These forums are free and the public is encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be provided.
We Value Your Opinion!

Tri-Valley’s Community Forums focus on the needs of the service area,
community needs, community strengths, and existing and potential services
offered by Tri-Valley. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend!  

For more information on, or directions to Tri-Valley’s Community Forums,
please contact Mitch Bakken at 1-800-584-7020 or mitch.bakken@tvoc.org.

Polk County Community Forum Community Family Service Center (Crookston) Wednesday, February 20 9:00 – 10:00 AM

Marshall County Community Forum Marshall County Courthouse (Warren) Wednesday, February 20 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Norman County Community Forum Annex Building (Ada) Thursday, February 21 2:00 – 3:00 PM

CONTACT: Marie Harmon
marie.harmon@state.mn.us
651.539.1961

MNsure reaches record-setting sign-up numbers in sixth open enrollment period

123,731 Minnesotans sign up for private health coverage

ST. PAUL, Minn.—MNsure reported strong numbers during its sixth open enrollment period, which ended Sunday. Nearly 400 more Minnesotans signed up for coverage than during the previous open enrollment period, which ended with 123,334 sign-ups.

“Despite uncertainty on the federal level and decreased sign-ups across the country, MNsure maintains strong footing and improved on its record-breaking sign-ups from last year,” said CEO Nate Clark. “It is evident that Minnesotans see the value of comprehensive coverage.”

Over 57 percent of households qualified for advanced premium tax credits (APTC) averaging nearly $5,520 a year.

“Lower premiums, an extended open enrollment period, and a robust outreach program all contributed to our success this year,” said Clark. “These advantages have helped ensure Minnesotans can get the health care coverage they need.”

Across the state, yearly APTC averages for households were:

• Southeast Minnesota—$9,228
• Northeast Minnesota—$5,448
• Southwest Minnesota—$8,532
• Twin Cities Metro—$4,176
• Northwest Minnesota—$6,156

MNsure saw strong engagement with its new plan comparison tool, which allowed Minnesotans to easily and efficiently preview plans and estimate financial assistance. Over the course of the next year, MNsure will roll out additional improvements to its individual shopping and enrollment platform.

BY THE NUMBERS:

Private health plan sign-ups—123,731
Public program applicants—104,707
Total accessing coverage—228,438
Percentage receiving tax credits—57 percent
Average yearly tax credit by household—$5,520
Call volume—120,429
MNsure.org sessions—1,801,970
Plan comparison tool sessions—234,272

MNsure’s sixth open enrollment period ran from November 1, 2018 to January 13, 2019. Minnesotans can still enroll if they experience a qualifying life event, such as having a baby, getting married, moving to a new area, or losing other health coverage. More information about special enrollment can be found here.

Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm praised the recipients for their service to their communities as well as their work to improve health and reduce health inequities. “We are fortunate in Minnesota to have so many talented and dedicated people working to protect, maintain and improve our health,” Commissioner Malcolm said. “These awards recognize our public health professionals, elected officials, and volunteers for the many ways they help make Minnesota’s residents and communities healthier.”

At this ceremony, the Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Healthy Communities Leadership received a Certificate of Recognition for their commitment and contributions to advance public health locally. In its 20 years of operation, the MMS Healthy Communities Leadership Team works to coordinate health promotion and maximize its resources. It serves as the community health board’s SHIP community leadership team, provides competitive mini-grants to community projects focused on priority health issues, and coordinates a joint community health needs assessment with local hospitals. Through collaboration, the group tackles priorities together, like creating portable breastfeeding stations and addressing barriers to preschool transportation.

Allie Elbert, Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Community Health Services, and Nancy Mellesmoen, Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, accepted this award on behalf of the MMS Healthy Communities Leadership Team.

For more information on the Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Healthy Communities Leadership Team, please visit www.mmshealthycommunities.org .

The Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. Foster Grandparent Program held its annual recognition luncheon at the Crookston Eagles Club on Wednesday, October 10, 2018.

Jeanette Larson, Senior Programs Manager began the event by welcoming the Foster Grandparents and guests to the banquet. Jason Carlson, Tri-Valley’s CEO thanked all of the volunteers for the difference they are making in the lives of others in our communities.  Jason then introduced the newly hired Director of Senior Programs, Marley Melbye. Marley shared about herself and how excited she is to begin this position and how she is looking forward to working with the Foster Grandparent Program.  Kristal Abrahamson then introduced the Advisory Board members.

Sally Erickson was the speaker for the day.  Sally Erickson holds degrees in Business and English Writing from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. She has spent most of her career as a technical writer in the software industry.  She has also written a book entitled Letters to HEAVEN.  This is Sally’s story about cancer, death, and hope.  The volunteers really enjoyed her presentation.

Following Sally’s message, the “World of Difference” awards were given to individuals who were nominated by professional staff at their volunteer site. “With the little things you do every day, your impact spreads far and wide. Your commitment to improving lives inspires and motivates us all… You make a world of difference.” is engraved on the award along with the recipients’ name.

Recipients of the World of Difference Award are Grandma Doris Pontow (Discovery Place Early Learning Center, Thief River Falls, 6 year volunteer), Grandpa Milo Trangsrud (Challenger Elementary School, Thief River Falls, 2 year volunteer), Grandma Kathryn Haider (St, Michaels School, Mahnomen, 6 year volunteer),  Grandma Mary Steinbrenner (Magelssen Elementary, Fosston, 4 year volunteer),  Grandma Linda Stelzer (St. Joseph’s Elementary, Moorhead 2 year volunteer) and Grandpa Art Wood (Dorothy Dodds Elementary School, Moorhead 1 year volunteer) .

For more information on how to become a Foster Grandparent, Caring Companion or how to receive Caring Companion services, please call Marley, Jeanette, Jean, or Kristal at 1-800-584-7020.

(Crookston, Minn.)- At a recent Crookston city council meeting, the topic of lack of child care and licensed child care options in in the city went from important to urgent and has become one of the community’s “most pressing issues”. But how do we change this?

Have you ever thought about opening your own child care business but have some questions? If so, you’re in luck. There will be an informational session on Monday, November 5 at 6:30 pm in the Tri-Valley boardroom located at 102 N. Broadway in Crookston.

Did you know? There are multiple options in the field of child care. You can provide child care in your home. You can open a family child care business in a space other than your home.  You can partner with someone or be on your own. To answer some of those questions, staff from Child Care Aware and the Polk County Child Care Licensor will provide information on family child care licensing. There will also be information on startup grants to help you get into the business and door prizes!

If you cannot attend the meeting but have an interest in child care and you would like to ask some questions, please contact Maureen Hams at 218-281-5832 or mhams@tvoc.org