Dear Neighbors,
I hope this email finds you and your family well as spring is finally here. Next week is the traditional Easter/Passover recess for the House and Senate. Here’s an update from the Capitol.
2021 Veterans Bill
Today, the House Labor, Industry, and Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously approved the 2021 House Veterans & Military Affairs Finance & Policy Bill. This bipartisan legislation includes significant investments to address veteran homelessness and prevent veteran suicides, as well as other important initiatives.
The bill includes the Veterans Restorative Justice Act, which creates alternative sentencing options for veterans who commit certain crimes resulting from service-related trauma, changes to the state’s Code of Military Justice, which addresses court martial proceedings and criminal violations by members of the armed forces, creation of a task force to recognize the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, and several other measures. You can find a summary of the legislation here.
This past year has been difficult for Minnesotans as a result of COVID-19, and throughout it all, our dedicated military veterans and service members continue to make sacrifices and face challenges. I’m proud of the bipartisan, thoughtful work we’ve done in this committee to deliver solutions to help ensure those who’ve served can have the healthy and successful future they deserve.
Town Hall Meeting Reminder
I’m looking forward to folks joining me Tuesday night, March 30 for a Virtual Town Hall Meeting to discuss the legislative session. We will gather on my Facebook page where you can stream live video of the event. The event will give us a good opportunity to recap our work thus far and look ahead to what’s yet to come, including putting together a new two-year state budget.
Most of the time, though, will be devoted to answering your questions. If you’d like to submit a question, you’re still able to do so on this form.
Vaccine News
Today, Governor Walz announced that starting Tuesday, any Minnesotan age 16 or older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This is great news in our fight against COVID, and the systems that have been put in place to distribute shots will be able to leverage the increased supply we are anticipating starting next week.
Seniors, health care workers, and other vulnerable Minnesotans will still be prioritized. Be sure to sign up for the Vaccine Connector to get notified when there are nearby opportunities to get your shot.
Please continue to contact me with your feedback and ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Rob Ecklund
State Representative