Legislative Update- February 4, 2022

Dear Neighbors,

The House has been working hard throughout the interim to lay the groundwork for a successful legislative session, which started on Monday. It's been a very difficult two years for everyone, but Minnesotans’ resilience gives me hope about the future of our great state, and all we can accomplish together.

It was a busy and productive week. Here’s an update from the Capitol:

Black History Month

February is Black History Month. Celebrating Black History is celebrating American History. As we reflect back on the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans, we must move forward with an ongoing commitment to create more opportunity in an equitable way for everyone who lives in Minnesota. Twin Cities Public Television has a wonderful documentary on Minnesota’s Black Pioneers. I encourage you to watch some local history here.

2022 Winter Olympics

The 2022 Winter Olympics are underway! I'm wishing Sam Hentges of New Brighton and the other talented Minnesotans who were named to the 2022 Men’s and Women’s Olympic Team, the very best as they compete in the hockey games. Those are slated to start on February 10. You can find the entire 2022 Winter Olympic games' schedule here.

Committee Work

This year, I once again have the honor of serving as the Chair of the House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee. On Tuesday, our committee held our first hearing to check in with students attending post-secondary institutions. I appreciated hearing from the student testifiers about their experiences in college and skills training programs. I am also grateful they shared their legislative goals with our committee. You can follow our committee's work here.

Workers’ Compensation for First Responders & Healthcare Workers

Yesterday, the Minnesota House and Senate fast-tracked legislation to extend workers’ compensation for first responders and healthcare workers since the measure expired in January. Our first responders and healthcare providers have put themselves on the front lines of this pandemic since the onset of the virus in Minnesota. We’re still grappling with COVID-19, and we need to continue to have the backs of the Minnesotans who have ours. You can read more about the bill, which passed with strong bipartisan support, here.

Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing

I was honored to be a guest speaker at the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH) today. It was wonderful to have the event hosted and emceed by my constituents Sue Watlov Phillips and Natividad Seefeld. 

Insulin Safety Net Program

In 2020, lawmakers came together to enact the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act. The bill, named after a young adult who died when he was forced to ration his insulin, gives Minnesotans access to an emergency supply along with a program to make affordable insulin available on a long-term basis.

Alec’s mother, Nicole Smith-Holt, is featured in this video where she shares Alec’s story. Please take a few minutes to watch and learn more about Minnesota’s Insulin Safety Net program. It’s unconscionable that someone could lose their life because they can’t afford lifesaving medications, and this session I’ll support additional solutions to address the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs.

Keep in Touch

Please contact me anytime at rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn or 651-296-5510 with input or questions. I love hearing from you. It’s an honor to serve our neighbors and families in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Have a happy and healthy weekend.

Warmly,

Connie Bernardy
State Representative