Dear Neighbors,
I know many of you have been trying to cope with the events of this past week. There are a number of issues to address and I appreciate all the communications that I have received in response to the events. Minnesota Attorney General Ellison has agreed to prosecute the former officers and held a press conference explaining the process. You can also read more from Minnesota Public Radio here. Justice for George Floyd and his family is absolutely necessary and we at the Legislature will utilize this upcoming special session to reform our criminal justice system to create a Minnesota where this situation never happens again.
Working with the POCI Caucus to Answer the Cries of George Floyd
The events over the last week have made clear the need for police reform and accountability to our communities. As a legislature I can not stand by while injustice persists around our state. I am committed to pursuing a more just Minnesota and I am happy to support a number of proposed policies from my colleagues in the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus that center on:
- Reform the investigation and prosecution 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
- Repair and build community trust and create community-centered public safety
Freeway Landfill Update
As you may know, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is preparing for cleanup at the Freeway Landfill and Dump site in Burnsville.
The MPCA is looking at two options for this cleanup – build a new modern landfill on the property, or move the waste from the landfill/dump off the property to another modern landfill. They are considering three variations for rebuilding the landfill on the current property. Right now they are gathering citizen and community input on those three variations. Later they will select one of these variations and move forward with the bidding process for both options.
The deadline for comments or questions is fast approaching and can be submitted up until June 12 by email to, Freeway.Landfill.andDump.MPCA@state.mn.us or post MPCA, c/o Pat Hanson, 520 Lafayette Rd N, St. Paul MN 55155. I encourage you to learn more here.
Update From the Governor on COVID-19 Restrictions
Governor Walz announced Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan, including a gradual turn of the dial to allow cautious and safe re-opening of indoor dining, gyms, and entertainment venues beginning Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Customers and employees will be either strongly recommended or required to wear masks and will be required to adhere to appropriate social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Limited re-opening of dine-in restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues can begin on Wednesday, June 10. Occupancy rates will be limited based on risk, with an overall occupancy maximum of 250 people. All critical businesses are required to develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan by June 29, and the Department of Health (MDH), Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) will publish industry guidance by June 15. Under Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan:
- 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 10 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.
While this is great news we must remain vigilant in taking steps to reduce the risk of spreading this virus, so please remember to wear a mask, wash your hands and stay distant when possible.
Advice From the Minnesota Department of Commerce
You or someone you know may have a business or home that was damaged during the tumultuous events of the past week. If you are wondering what steps you need to take to file an insurance claim we encourage you to utilize these fact sheets put together by the Department of Commerce:
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.sandra.masin@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-3533. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here. You can also follow me on Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Sandra Masin
State Representative