Dear Neighbors,
Spring is officially here and things are heating up this week as we work to get bills heard in committee by March 22, the first deadline for policy bills. Here’s an update on important legislation moving through the process and an upcoming event:
Protecting MN Seniors from Abuse
Last year, the Star Tribune published a series that detailed serious abuses, sexual assault, and other mistreatment occurring in Minnesota’s senior care facilities. After investigations by AARP and the Office of the Legislative Auditor, Governor Dayton joined legislators to announce a bold set of reforms and investments to hold providers proven guilty of abuse accountable and protect the health, safety, and dignity of seniors and vulnerable adults. My colleagues and I are sponsoring HF 3468 to make sure important changes happen this year to improve care for older and vulnerable adults.
Disappointingly, the Health and Human Services Reform Chair, Rep. Schomacker, said his committee wouldn’t hear our bill this year that includes elder abuse recommendations. This concerns me as it appears to be a signal that the House Majority does not intend to pass needed elder abuse legislation this session. I hope there will be a change of heart by Thursday, when bills must be heard before the first committee deadline. If you would like the bill to have a hearing, please join me in contacting Chair Schomacker.
While significant changes have been made and the backlog of claims are being investigated, I’m committed to making sure we do everything we can to ensure this never happens again. Our seniors deserve to live with safety, security and dignity.
Minnesota Bike Summit & Legislation
Last week on Wednesday, I spoke at the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota Day at the Capitol Event. They were here advocating for policy changes to make riding a bike safer in addition to furthering the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s responsibilities and partnerships regarding the state’s bikeways. I am the chief author of this bill.
I had a hearing on this bill in the Transportation Policy and Regional Governance Committee yesterday and was held over for possible inclusion to a larger, final Transportation bill. I’m glad it made it in time for the first committee deadline; the legislation awaits a committee hearing in the Senate.
March for Our Lives
This coming Saturday morning on March 24th, Minnesota students from our community and across the state along with allies are marching in Saint Paul from Harriet Island to the State Capitol to demand action on gun violence prevention from legislative leaders. This coordinated effort stems from a student rally organized in Washington DC, and has spread to communities across the country. You can learn more details of the event here. After the march, I will be visting students. We will have lunch together and I have made arrangements to give them a behind the scenes tour in the Minnesota House of Representatives Chamber.
The momentum continues to build; I hope you and your family and friends can join to make your voices heard.
Please continue to stay in touch; your voice is crucial as we approach these upcoming bill deadlines.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative