Dear Neighbors,
Spring has finally arrived! I hope you’ve been able to spend some time outside. With flood watches circulating the state as the temperatures rise, be sure to check in on road statuses before heading out. You can do so at the FEMA Flood Map Center’s website.
Here’s an update from St. Paul:
Protecting our Lakes & Waters
This week, my bill to help address the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in our lakes and bodies of water received a public hearing in the Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee. The legislation would deliver grant funding to support our fight against AIS. If this comes to fruition, it will certainly help keep our lakes clean and safe for recreation.
John Broghammer, President of Long Lake Improvement Association of New Brighton, testified. He shared with the committee how important this bill is to the Lake Association to manage aquatic invasive plants. |
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House Approves Bipartisan Life-Saving Measures for Minnesotans
The House approved two bills of which I’m an author that will help save more lives statewide:
Addressing the Opioid Crisis
The rate of opioid-related overdose deaths has steadily increased each year since 2010. I’ve heard from families in our community who have been tragically impacted by this epidemic sweeping across Minnesota. Thank you for sharing your stories and bringing awareness to the reality of the opioid crisis.
Big Pharma has collected billions in profits over the years and has not had to pay a dime to help Minnesotans get treatment or help law enforcement keep our communities safe. This is wrong, and they ought to start contributing to the solution. The bill establishes an Opioid Stewardship Advisory Council to fund addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services. These services will be funded by grants from a new Opioid Stewardship Fund, resources for which would come from fees paid by pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.
‘Hands Free’ Cell Phones
I’ve been a longtime supporter of this legislation. Minnesotans deserve to be safe on our roads, crosswalks, bike paths and walkways. With distracted driving fatalities on the rise, it’s time to take action to help prevent more tragedy and loss.
Stay in Touch
The House continues to work on crafting an equitable state budget- one that works better for everyone. Keep in touch with your thoughts, ideas and questions. I value your constructive feedback for our community and state.
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative |
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