End of Session Update

Dear Neighbors,

The Minnesota Legislature adjourned the 2020 regular session “sine die” late Sunday evening. As I reflect on our work over the session, I’m grateful for the initial bipartisan spirit in which we could come together to deliver emergency relief for Minnesotans amid a global pandemic. Frustratingly, Republicans did not show interest in continuing that spirit in the final days of session. There is more work ahead of us to continue efforts to help our neighbors during these challenging times and beyond.

Here’s a recap of what we accomplished and what remains ahead of us.

The Legislature this session delivered funding for public health, resources for health care workers, aid for child care, housing and food security, small business assistance and more. We also approved an emergency package of legislation providing flexibility and resources in a variety of areas during the crisis, including approval of my bill related to wills and marriage licenses, expanded telemedicine, remote local government meetings, and alternative health care facilities. Should a frontline responder to the virus contract COVID-19, we also reached a consensus to better ensure these Minnesotans would receive workers’ compensation benefits.

Governor Walz also signed other important measures into law including the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act, the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, Tobacco 21 legislation to prevent youth smoking, and a bipartisan bill to protect the safety and security of elections

Unfortunately, Republicans blocked key priorities important to Minnesotans and our communities, including a robust jobs and local projects bonding plan, a measure to ensure hourly school employees receive compensation during the peacetime emergency, funding to build out internet access across the state, the ratification of state worker contracts, and a COVID-19 Economic Security Agenda. I, along with my fellow House and Senate DFLers remain committed to enacting these important solutions to protect Minnesotans’ health, wellbeing, and economic security.

The Governors Peacetime Emergency powers expire June 12 without legislative action. We anticipate returning for a special session to consider some of the work left undone, as well as Governor Walz’s powers on that day or earlier. 

Virtual Session Recap Town Hall

Next Thursday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m. Senator Torres Ray, Rep. Wagenius and I will be hosting a virtual town hall meeting to provide a session recap and to answer any questions. We’ll be streaming the event through my new legislative Facebook page.

I look forward to connecting with you online!

Keep in Touch

Please contact me at rep.jim.davnie@house.mn with questions, ideas, or input. I appreciate hearing from you, so please never hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Jim Davnie

State Representative