Dear Neighbors,

The Legislature is currently in a special session, and we’re working to wrap up important work leftover from the regular session and the last special session. Key among this work is a Jobs and Local Projects bill – or bonding bill – with investments in public infrastructure. Our legislation in the House contains funding for projects in our region like the Carlton County Correctional Facility, the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District, and Twin Lakes Township’s water system. We’re also working on a series of targeted tax cuts for working families, farmers, and small businesses.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be unpredictable, and we must be both vigilant in addressing the public health threat and ensuring individuals and businesses can receive the support they need. As just a few examples, we’re working on solutions to support disability service providers and help for dental providers to access personal protective equipment.

We will only achieve results on these issues through a commitment to compromise on a bipartisan basis. Throughout this pandemic, it’s been clear that Minnesotans care for one another. During these difficult times, I’ll keep working to deliver upon the values important to all of us, like a quality education for our students, economic opportunity for all families, and the ability to be healthy and safe in our communities.

Support During the Pandemic

In addition to the evolving public health challenges presented by the virus, COVID-19 continues to challenge Minnesotans, putting many folks in difficult economic situations. With funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Governor Walz has been able to target funding to specific areas to help people weather the storm.

Last week, Governor Walz announced a plan to deliver $56.6 million to support Minnesota child care providers who are facing enormous challenges during the pandemic, and many are fighting to keep their doors open. They’ve had to make a number of sacrifices including significant costs due to decreasing group sizes and the cleaning, staffing, and workflow changes needed to keep children healthy and safe. Families seeking care can call the Child Care Aware parent line at 1.888.291.9811 or visit mn.gov/childcare for a map of open providers.

Also last week, the governor announced $12 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to combat hunger in Minnesota amid COVID-19. This funding will support approximately 300 food shelves and all seven food banks across Minnesota. About 300,000 Minnesotans have visited food shelves each month since the pandemic began, representing approximately a 30 percent increase over typical visits. Information about food assistance resources is available on the state’s food emergency webpage.

We all count on a place to call home to stay safe and healthy. As rent and mortgage payments continue to come due, many Minnesotans are struggling to maintain secure housing. Yesterday, Governor Walz announced $100 million worth of investments in housing and homelessness prevention. Minnesotans can begin applying for assistance with local grant administrators in the first part of August. Additional information about grants can be found on the Minnesota Housing website at www.mnhousing.gov. Earlier in the legislative session, lawmakers delivered $26 million to help give Minnesotans a safe place to go, creating more than 2,100 additional safe spaces statewide.

Vote by Mail

Voting absentee – from the safety and comfort of your own home – is a great way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by protecting other voters and election officials, as well as yourself. Applications are available for absentee ballots for the upcoming primary and general elections here. The online application tool will ask for an email address and an identification number – either a Minnesota-issued driver’s license, Minnesota ID card, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. You can check your voter registration status here and update it here.

Respond to the Census

Here’s a reminder that if you have not yet already done so, it’s important that everyone in our community responds to the 2020 Census. It only takes a few minutes. More online, mail, or phone responses mean fewer census workers needing to go door to door during the COVID-19 pandemic which will keep everyone safer.

Census data determines how billions of dollars in federal funding is allocated toward priorities like health care, education, public safety, and roads & bridges. It also impacts representation at the local, state, and national levels. As many folks know, Minnesota’s population trends put us on the cusp of losing a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, and a reduction from eight to seven would result in diminished influence in Washington.

You can respond to the Census online here, by phone, or by mail. Please spread the word! Share this link with your family, friends, and neighbors. It’s up to all of us to ensure this process results in a fair, comprehensive count of everybody in our state.

Last Update

This will be my last email update until after November’s election. After this week, legislators cannot use state resources for unsolicited communications during an election period because it might create an unfair advantage. While I won’t be able to send these emails for a while, I encourage you to reach out to me directly with your input, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. My phone number is 651-296-4308 or email me at rep.mike.sundin@house.mn. You can also stay up to date with what’s happening at the Capitol by following House Public Information Services’ nonpartisan resources.

Have a great summer. It’s an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

Mike Sundin