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Neighbors and Friends,
Congressional leaders have reached a deal on a $900 billion COVID-19 assistance package. Businesses and families needed this boost from the federal government to manage the economic fallout from the virus. This encouraging news will help our economy continue recovering while a vaccine is being distributed widely.
At the time this update was sent, there is still uncertainty about the final version of the aid bill, and this is exactly why the legislature passed – and governor signed – a COVID-19 Economic Assistance Package to help businesses and workers survive this economic crisis.
Twin Metals op/ed
I joined several legislative colleagues – including Senator John Marty – to submit an opinion piece to the Star Tribune on the Twin Metals’ plan to build a copper-sulfide mine near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
New laws take effect
Two significant new laws will take effect on January 1. One law will modify how sexual assault kits are tested and stored. It aims to ensure the kits are stored properly and extends the time that untested kits are retained, giving survivors more time to change their mind about having the evidence analyzed. The other will improve continuity of care via shortened timelines for prior authorization and access to information about health care plans. You can read more about these laws here.
Metro Transit seeks input
The Metropolitan Council is seeking citizen input to plan the future of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). You can learn more here on how to weigh in on implementation of new routes.
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