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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL)

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Legislative Update – June 26, 2020

Friday, June 26, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you and your family safe and healthy. As we get out and enjoy our Minnesota summer, it’s important to recognize the danger COVID-19 still presents our communities. States like Texas and Florida are seeing rises in positive cases and hospital admissions, and officials there are once again imposing previous restrictions. We can’t risk going backward here, so continue to be vigilant by practicing social distancing, wearing a mask in public, and frequently washing your hands. Here’s an update from the Capitol.


CARES Act Funding to Local Governments

Yesterday, Governor Walz announced a plan to deliver $841 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to Minnesota’s cities, counties, and towns. The plan announced by Governor Walz reflects the formula agreed upon by legislators during the recent special session. Per capita, $121.28 is appropriated to counties, $75.34 to cities with populations over 200 or townships with a population of 5,000 or greater, and $25 to towns between 200 and 5,000 people. Under the plan, St. Louis county would receive $24.5 million and Itasca county would receive $5.7 million. For cities, Hibbing would receive $1.2 million, Chisholm would receive $371,955, Keewatin would receive $77,826, Buhl would receive $73,833, and Nashwauk would receive $72,477.

Our cities and counties are working to deliver the public services Minnesotans count on, but COVID-19 has damaged their budgets greatly. This funding is critical toward the ability of our local communities to maintain their vitality. The pandemic has challenged all of us in unthinkable ways, and we will keep working to protect the health and economic well-being of all Minnesotans both during this crisis and into the future.


Special Session

Last week, the Legislature met in special session working to wrap up unfinished business from the regular session, address ongoing challenges as a result of COVID-19, and advance criminal justice reforms. There were some victories, including passage of small business relief legislation. Many of the state’s smallest businesses have had difficulty accessing financial assistance from the federal government. Recognizing that, we approved a bill delivering $62.5 million in funding for small business grants, with a focus on businesses with 50 or fewer employees. Applications are now available until July 2, with funding to be distributed via lottery. More information is available from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Additionally, we approved an Education Policy bill with a number of important provisions for Minnesota students, such as a requirement for all teachers to receive mental health training, a prohibition on the suspension of children in pre-K programs, a requirement for vaping prevention instruction, and more. Another bright spot was a bill to increase child care assistance program rates – the first in many years – which will help childcare providers during this difficult time.

In the wake of George Floyd’s tragic killing, we also worked to enact criminal justice and police accountability reforms, but unfortunately we couldn’t reach an agreement before the Senate Majority walked away from discussions and adjourned the special session. What happened to George Floyd was an atrocity, and on a bipartisan basis we recognize similar atrocities cannot be allowed to occur in the future, but this critical work will take some more time to get across the finish line. Also remaining on the to-do list is a Jobs and Local Projects bill (sometimes called the bonding bill), which will fund improvements in public infrastructure across the state, including many Iron Range priorities. We have the ability to make these investments, which will create sorely needed jobs. Legislators and the governor will keep working on these critical measures, and I’m hopeful we can reach agreement this summer.


Submit a Claim to Frontier

If you've received substandard and telephone or internet service as a customer of Frontier Communications – or experienced deceptive billing – you may be eligible for a rebate or a bill credit. The state Department of Commerce reached a settlement with the company to hold them accountable for their poor service and reliability. The deadline to file a claim is July 20. Learn more here from Commerce

Please continue to contact me with your input, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.

Together,

Julie Sandstede
State Representative