Legislative Update- January 23, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Happy New Year! This month has certainly flown by. 2020 means many important initiatives will go into effect. Read about them below:

Climate Action Caucus Update

My colleagues and I have been holding meetings throughout the summer and fall with policy experts, scientists, and Minnesotans to discuss how climate change impacts our state and share potential solutions. So far we’ve held community conversations dedicated to transportation, housing, public health, and local communities. As the Higher Education Finance and Policy Chair we are leading efforts on the next hearing, which is scheduled for tomorrow, January 24 from 10 to noon in room 200 of the State Office Building. We will focus on the intersection of climate and higher education. We are involving a lot of young people. If you’d like to receive emails about upcoming events, sign up here. More information about the Climate Action Caucus is available on our website.

Be Heard on Cannabis-North Metro Community Listening Session 

Join us on January 27 in New Brighton! I want to hear what you think the main issues are in legalizing adult use cannabis. What are current problems with prohibition? What are concerns you have about legalizing cannabis, or thoughts you have on how we should do it? Please join me and my colleagues:

• Monday, January 27^th at 7:00 p.m. at New Brighton Community Center, 400 10th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 

House Transportation Committee Visits our Community

Earlier this month, members of the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee toured Coon Rapids, Fridley, New Brighton, and Blaine. Thank you to local officials and community members who are partnering with us at the state level to improve safety for pedestrians and drivers, especially at the intersection of 85th Ave and University Ave at the Northtown Transit Center.

On our way back to the Capitol, we made a quick stop to see the Bartz Brothers’ stunningly intricate snow sculptures. I was happy to share the joy the amazing Bartz family brings to our community with committee members and staff.

U.S. Census- Be Counted!

The start of the new decade means it’s time for the U.S. Census count. Having an accurate count is essential because the data is used to determine how federal funds are allocated for Minnesota’s hospitals, schools, fire departments, roads, and more. In March–April, the U.S. Census Bureau, the nonpartisan government agency who conducts the count, will send information to every home on how to fill out the form online or on paper. You can learn more here. 

You can also help your community! Consider applying for one of thousands of temporary U.S. Census jobs. Here is the link to Pay & Location for census opportunities.

Presidential Primary

This year, Minnesotans will be able to vote in a presidential nomination primary. Regardless of party affiliation, it’s important to make your voice heard in the process. Primary Day in Minnesota is on March 3. If you’d like to vote early, you can request an absentee ballot here. More frequently asked questions and information is available on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website. 

With the 2020 legislative session just around the corner, scheduled to begin on February 11, I hope you’ll continue to reach out with ideas, input, and questions. Please let me know how I can be of assistance to you and your family. I can be reached at 651-296-5510 or rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn.

Sincerely,

Connie Bernardy

State Representative