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Neighbors and Friends,
Gov. Walz called legislators back into special session beginning Monday, July 13. During this time of crisis, it is important for the governor’s current peacetime emergency to stay in effect for another 30 days to allow him to take quick action if needed. I support this extension because now is not the time to let our guard down, especially when this pandemic shows no signs of slowing down.
Talks continue to enact strong police accountability measures, pass a Capital Investment bill and continue to assess and respond to COVID-19 related events to keep each other safe.
Housing funding released
This week, Gov. Walz released $100 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to prevent homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read the governor’s news release here.
As Housing Finance and Policy Division chair, this is a needed boost to help our neighbors who are in precarious housing situations. You can read my statement here.
Census
Please take a few minutes complete the 2020 Census and remind your friends and family to do the same. Census data determines how billions of dollars in federal funding is allocated and impacts representation at the local, state, and national level. As you may know, we need a strong count to keep Minnesota’s eight Congressional seats. We’re on the verge of losing one due to current population trends, which would diminish our influence in Washington.
Minnesota currently leads the nation with a 71.5 percent response rate and you can help maintain our lead by responding online here, by phone, or by mail. The sooner you respond, the fewer census workers will need to go door to door during the pandemic.
Racism a public health crisis
On Tuesday, the Minnesota House Rules Committee passed a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. You can read the resolution here. A final vote on the measure will likely be before the full House on Monday.
Final update until after the election
During an election period, legislators cannot use state resources for unsolicited communications because it might create an unfair advantage, so this is my last weekly update until after the election. I am still available to help with the state-level problems and to discuss important issues in our community.
As always, I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can call me at (651) 296-3824 or send an email at rep.alice.hausman@house.mn.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Alice
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