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Dear neighbors,
Many dine-in restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues reopened today as our state entered the next phase of the Stay Safe Plan. However, concerns about COVID-19 remain. Please continue social distancing, wearing a mask in public, and following public health guidelines. The gradual reopening process is more likely to succeed if Minnesotans take actions to protect themselves, other customers, and employees. You can find more details about the new phase of the Stay Safe Plan here.
Special Session on Friday
This afternoon, Governor Walz called for a special session of the Legislature, which will begin on Friday, June 12. As the governor says in a letter to House and Senate leaders, this session is needed in order to protect the health and safety of all Minnesotans. Passing a strong Jobs and Local Projects Bill that invests in public infrastructure projects is a top priority for me, in addition to delivering relief for the Minnesotans hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. I also expect to focus on police accountability and reform.
I hope Republicans will be willing to come to the table and reconsider a package of legislation that invests in protecting and enhancing Minnesota’s natural resources. The bill, which passed in the House during the regular session, contains $61.4 million in funding for environmental projects, but Republicans have argued it should strip the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s authority to adopt measures that would increase the availability of clean cars in Minnesota.
COVID-19 Testing
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is advising everyone who recently attended a protest, vigil, or community event to get tested for COVID-19. If you start to feel sick, MDH recommends getting tested right away. If you don’t feel sick, you should get tested 5-7 days after the event. If the test is negative and you’re worried you might have been exposed, you can get another test 12-14 days after the event – even if you don’t feel sick. You can find more information and nearby testing locations here.
New OLA Report Available
The Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) released a new report this morning. In a quarterly review, the OLA found that the implementation of the Minnesota Vehicle Title and Registration System moved forward with few disruptions despite the pandemic. You can read the full report here.
General Fund Revenue
Today, Minnesota Management and Budget announced that net general fund revenues for May totaled $1.497 billion, which is $20 million less than previously projected. Individual income and sales taxes for the month exceeded the projection, while corporate tax receipts and other revenues were lower than expected. You can find more information here.
Pandemic EBT
If your child received free or reduced-price school meals this past year, the new Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program can help you buy food while school are closed. Families with children between the ages of 5 and 18 can receive up to $325 per child to spend on groceries. You can read more about P-EBT and apply here. Applications are due by Tuesday, June 30.
SMART Center Groundbreaking
On Monday, I attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the SMART Center – a future regional law enforcement training facility. The SMART Center, which will focus on crisis intervention, will be located in Inver Grove Heights.
Finally, I’d like to thank everyone who has called or emailed me recently. Please continue sharing your feedback and suggestions.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative
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