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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Connie Bernardy (DFL)

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Legislative Update- March 8, 2021

Monday, March 8, 2021
   

 

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Dear Neighbors,

I hope you’ve had an opportunity to enjoy our mild start to March! With Spring around the corner, we have much in which to look forward. Vaccine shipments are increasing, and we are on track to exceed the goal to have 70% of Minnesotans 65 and older vaccinated by the end of the month. Once we pass this critical benchmark, more subgroups will become eligible to receive their shot. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to sign up for the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, which will notify you of vaccine opportunities nearby.

To date, 1,072,260 Minnesotans have received their first dose of the vaccine, with 592,134 having completed the series.

 

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At the Capitol, House and Senate Committees are working to vet legislation judiciously as we narrow our focus with upcoming deadlines. In the House, we are focused on delivering support to those hit hardest by the pandemic. Here’s an update on some of those proposals:


Supporting our youngest learners

This week, I’ll be presenting my bill that would protect education investments for our preschoolers to the Early Childhood Finance and Policy Committee. Under the legislation, over 4,000 spots would be secured for our youngest learners. Getting our children off to a great start doesn’t just help Minnesota in the short run, it’s a critical investment for our state’s future success. All of our students deserve the opportunity to be successful, no matter where they’re from or what their background is. I’ll continue to advocate for this measure moving forward.


Supporting our college students

Last week, the House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee, which I chair, held hearings to expand access to higher education for students from all ages and background wishing to pursue their dreams. All of our students deserve an opportunity to be successful and thrive. The bills we heard would:

?Save students money on textbooks. ??

?Expand ‘College Possible’ a successful program that helps our students navigate post-secondary options.??

?Invest in summer academic enrichment programs to help students be successful in college.??


Supporting our hourly school employees

Legislation has been introduced to provide Unemployment Insurance benefits to school bus drivers, cafeteria, paraprofessionals, and other hourly school employees. These Minnesotans have gone above and beyond to care for Minnesota kids. These individuals, whose jobs were interrupted through no fault of their own, deserve access to unemployment benefits.


Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime on state matters important to you. I can be reached at rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn or 651-296-5510. It is an honor to serve the communities in which I grew up at the Capitol.

Have a good week.

Sincerely,

Connie Bernardy

State Representative