Dear Neighbors,
I hope you were able to enjoy some time out of the house over the weekend! We’re back to work in St. Paul. Below is an update from the Capitol.
Update on Opioids
The opioid crisis continues to worsen throughout communities in our state. I am committed to finding a solution. Many Minnesotans’ lives, including neighbors and loved ones in our community, have been impacted by the harmful effects of this epidemic.
I’m supporting recently introduced legislation to establish an Opioid Stewardship Advisory Council to deliver grants focusing on education, intervention, treatment, training, and prevention strategies. If the bill passes, it could help save hundreds of lives each year. In 2016, almost 400 people died as a result of opioid overdose, and since then the number has increased at alarming rates. Finding a solution to this crisis is urgent, and Minnesotans expect the Legislature to take action.
Increasing Safety for Bicyclists
A bill I introduced, which would increase safety measures for bicyclists, had a public hearing in the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee yesterday. All Minnesotans deserve to be safe, no matter which mode of transportation they use. HF 462 passed unanimously with bipartisan support.
Elections Legislation
As a member of the Elections Committee, I had the opportunity to hear and vote on two important bills of which I’m an author.
One bill makes a simple, but important change to current election registration processes. Currently, if an individual updates or applies for a drivers’ license, they can “opt-in” to be registered to vote. This bill would change this process to have an “opt-out” method instead. As a result, this will likely increase participation, and decrease registration lines on Election Day. HF 45 advanced out the committee and its next stop is the Government Operations Committee.
HF 94 would increase the number of voters that an individual may assist in a single election. Current law allows an individual to assist up to three people in translating and/or marking a ballot. Increasing this number would be an important stride towards making voting more accessible for people with disabilities or those who are not native English speakers. The process would be closely monitored by nonpartisan election officials.
Stay in Touch
Thank you for sharing your viewpoints, feedback and questions. I appreciate hearing from you!
Let me know if I can be assistance on any state matter at 651-296-5510 or at rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn. You can check out my latest Capitol video update here.
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative |
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