Dear Neighbors,
It was just a handful of weeks ago our Capitol was busy with advocates and policymakers working hard for Minnesotans. Now it is filled with visitors enjoying our beautiful Capitol building. There is less noise, but a lot of important work is still happening. Here are a few updates.
National Pollinator Week
Last week was the 11th annual National Pollinator Week to raise awareness and stop the rapid decline of pollinator populations. Pollinator Week is now an international celebration of the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats, and beetles. Although Pollinator Week is over, the important work to save them cannot stop. As a lead on the Transportation Policy Committee in the Minnesota House I work to create roadside habitat that helps pollinators thrive throughout our state. I will keep working so pollinators can continue to contribute to our ecosystem.
New laws take effect July 1, 2018
The House and Senate Majorities chose to bundle the majority of the proposals we worked on this year—the good, the bad, and the ugly—into one incredibly large spending bill. While there was a lot of legislation everyone supported, Republicans included very controversial proposals that Governor Dayton warned he would not sign into law. As a result, just a few new laws take effect July 1, 2018. Among the topics addressed are: athletic trainers, claims against the state and tweaks to a development fund. To read more click here.
Please contact me with any questions or if you think I can provide some assistance. I love to help.
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative