Dear Neighbors, I hope this email finds you well as the week is winding down. Here’s the latest update from the Capitol. In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, today, a bipartisan coalition of state legislators introduced legislation I’m coauthoring to divest Minnesota’s state pension fund from Russia and codify Governor Walz’s Executive Order barring Minnesota from contracting with Russian companies into law. Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the estimated worth of Minnesota's state pension fund investments in Russia was approximately $53 million. You can watch the press conference here. My heart aches for the people of Ukraine following Russia’s unprovoked attacks. As a sovereign nation, this invasion by Putin’s autocratic regime is completely unacceptable, and it’s up to all of us around the world to stand in solidarity with those in Ukraine and in support of freedom, democracy, and peace. Bus Rapid Transit F Line Proposal This week, the House Transportation Committee discussed legislation I’m authoring to fund the arterial bus rapid transit (BRT) F-Line, a 10-20 minute service along Central Avenue over to University Avenue ending at Northtown. The line received $17.5 million in preliminary funding in last year’s state transportation budget. Community engagement work related to this project will start later this year, with construction anticipated in 2025 and service starting in 2026 pending full funding. My bill would invest $40 million in the F Line BRT to construct the project. The F Line will operate along the corridor currently served by Route 10 regular bus service, which is one of the top 5 busiest local bus routes providing more than 7,000 rides per day in 2019. 46% of the route’s riders are people of color or from low-income households. I’ll continue to advocate for its inclusion to a larger package of transportation legislation. Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn or 651-296-5510. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Warmly, Connie Bernardy
State Representative |