Legislative Update- June 9, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you and yours well. It’s hard to believe that nearly three weeks ago, on May 18, the Minnesota Legislature adjourned the 2020 regular session. 

As we grapple with the reality of a “new” normal under COVID-19, we must now accelerate our work in dismantling structural racism. 

The killing of George Floyd simply should not have happened. He should be alive today. All Minnesotans deserve justice, no exceptions. After each senseless death, we hoped things would change. They haven’t. It’s up to all of us to ensure this change.

Last week, my colleagues in the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus held a press conference to unveil their legislative response to improve community and law enforcement relationships. More specially, the plan would: 

• Reform the investigation and prosecution process of officer-involved deaths and wrongful actions; 
• Increase police accountability and transparency;
• Raise standards of conduct and support officer excellence; 
• Partner officers with the communities they serve; and
• Repair and build community trust and create community-centered public safety.

I am supportive of meaningful change that addresses systemic racism and inequities that too many Minnesotans are still living with every day. 

Special Session

This week, my legislative colleagues and I are preparing for a special session, likely on Friday, to approve more measures that help Minnesotans adapt to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Though this will be our principal reason for convening, I will also be championing issues of economic relief, jobs and local projects, and public safety and criminal justice reform. 

Support for Local Small Businesses

The Ramsey County Small Business Relief Fund is providing emergency assistance to local small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Businesses with 20 or fewer employees can apply for grants of up to $7,500 to help pay critical expenses and costs associated with reopening safely. If you’d like to apply, you can learn more here. Applications will be accepted through June 12. 

“Adjusting the Dials” on Stay Safe MN

On Wednesday, more of Minnesota’s businesses will be able to open, and others will be given more flexibility on how they operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. As you patronize our local businesses, please continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing of six feet, and wash your hands thoroughly. If you feel sick, please get tested and one of these locations. While these measures are long awaited, the pandemic continues, and it’s only with continued public health guidelines that we can keep ourselves - and our neighbors - healthy and safe.

“Phase III” of the Stay Safe MN Plan includes the following:

• Restaurants can begin offering indoor dining while maintaining social distancing, requiring reservations, and seating no more than 50 percent occupancy.
• Indoor social gatherings can take place with ten people or less; outdoor social gatherings can take place with 25 people or less.
• Gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, and martial arts may open at 25 percent capacity.
• Indoor entertainment venues, such as theaters and concert halls, can open at 25 percent capacity.
• Recreational indoor entertainment venues, such as bowling alleys, arcades, and museums may open at 25 percent capacity.
• Personal services, such as salons, tattoo parlors, and barbershops, may increase occupancy rates to 50 percent while requiring reservations.
• Outdoor entertainment venues, such as sporting events, concerts, and theaters may open at 25 percent capacity. 
• Places of worship can increase occupancy rates to 50 percent.

You can watch Governor Walz’s announcement of these measures here. 

Keep in Touch

Please contact me with questions, ideas, or input  at rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn. I appreciate hearing from you, so please email me anytime.  

Thank you for the honor of serving our Fridley, New Brighton, and Spring Lake Park communities at the Capitol!

Sincerely,

Connie Bernardy

State Representative