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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Steve Sandell (DFL)

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Legislative Update - June 18, 2020

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Dear neighbors,

Last Friday, the Legislature convened for a special session. There’s no question about it: we have our work cut out for us. We have to get assistance to local governments and small businesses still suffering from COVID-19; pass a Jobs and Local Projects or “bonding” bill that will help every part of the state and create thousands of jobs for Minnesotans; enact criminal justice, economic, and social reform; find ways to rebuild communities that were recently damaged; and respond to the needs of Minnesotans.

All of that depends on cooperation, a willingness to find common ground and compromise. Years ago, amid the political discord over civil rights and the Vietnam War, Vice President Hubert Humphrey gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention. “Democracy affords debate, discussion, and dissent,” he said. “But it also requires decision.”

Our Legislature ought to meet those standards—respectful debate, inspired compromise, and bold decisions. You, and all of Minnesota, deserve that. 


Assistance for Small Businesses and Local Governments

When the House convened on Friday, our first order of business was approving $62.5 million in grants for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill includes $60 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and $2.5 million from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Emergency Loan Program. Under the bill, small businesses with 50 or fewer employees can receive grants up to $10,000. Priority will be given to Minnesota’s smallest businesses and those that have been required to operate at 50 percent capacity or less.

The CARES Act contained funding for townships, cities, and counties that are struggling to get through the COVID-19 pandemic as well. My colleagues and I are committed to delivering these funds so Minnesotans can continue receiving the essential public services they count on.


Jobs and Local Projects Bill

The special session is an opportunity to complete unfinished business from the regular session. One of the items that we hope to get across the finish line is a strong bonding bill. We put together a robust Jobs and Local Projects Bill that contained important priorities for Woodbury. Unfortunately, we didn’t reach bipartisan consensus on this measure during the regular session.  

Investing in public assets would help communities across our state and create thousands of jobs for Minnesotans. It would aid our economic recovery as well. We have the capacity to make these investments in our future; all that’s needed now is the will to act.


Criminal Justice Reform

George Floyd should still be with us. My heart breaks for his family, friends, and community. All Minnesotans deserve to feel safe in their communities, no matter where they live or what they look like. George Floyd’s death is yet another tragic reminder of how far we have to go in this regard.

I stand firmly with legislators from the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus who are leading the charge to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. These legislators recently unveiled the Minnesota Police Accountability Act of 2020, a package of legislation to strengthen accountability, reclaim community oversight, and reimagine public safety. I’m supportive of these proposals and will prioritize them during the special session. More information about these long overdue reforms can be found here.


I hope I’ll be able to talk with you through the summer by phone, email, and maybe even in person when that becomes safe again. It’s an honor to serve our community.

Sincerely,

Steve Sandell