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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL)

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Legislative Update – June 11, 2020

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Hello Northlanders,

Governor Walz has declared a special session tomorrow to finish up our work to build a stronger economy to help Minnesotans weather the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as address some criminal justice reforms following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day. Here are some updates.


Criminal Justice Reform

George Floyd should still be with us; it’s that simple. My heart aches for not just his loved ones, but for his entire community which is experiencing real pain. I was moved by the powerful, peaceful demonstrations demanding justice. Unfortunately, property and businesses were also damaged, which no community deserves to experience. I was inspired to see the community come together to help clean up following the property damage, and gather food and supplies for neighbors. I also want to thank the members of the Minnesota National Guard for stepping up to help at a moment’s notice.

We value the contributions of law enforcement in our communities, and I certainly oppose any one size fits all approach, or defunding or disbanding of agencies. However, George Floyd’s killing highlights changes that need to be made to ensure all Minnesotans can feel safe when interacting with police. From my perspective, a part of this means listening and making space for voices of people who don’t look like I do. The Legislature’s People of Color and Indigenous Caucus has developed a criminal justice reform agenda with the following goals:

  • Reform the investigation and prosecution of officer-involved deaths and wrongful actions
  • Increase police accountability and transparency
  • Raise standards of conduct and support officer excellence
  • Partner officers with the communities they serve
  • Repair and build community trust and create community-centered public safety

I know these conversations will be difficult, but as Governor Walz said, we only have one chance to get this right. We need to step up and lead now so our state doesn’t have to experience this trauma again.


Safely Reopening Minnesota

Safely reopening minnesota

Starting yesterday, limited re-opening of dine-in restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues began. Here are the highlights of Phase 3 of the Stay Safe MN plan:

  • Restaurants can begin offering indoor dining while maintaining social distancing, requiring reservations, and seating no more than 50 percent occupancy.
  • Indoor social gatherings can take place with 10 people or less; outdoor social gatherings can take place with 25 people or less.
  • Gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, and martial arts may open at 25 percent capacity.
  • Indoor entertainment venues, such as theaters and concert halls, can open at 25 percent capacity.
  • Recreational indoor entertainment venues, such as bowling alleys, arcades, and museums may open at 25 percent capacity.
  • Personal services, such as salons, tattoo parlors, and barbershops, may increase occupancy rates to 50 percent while requiring reservations.
  • Outdoor entertainment venues, such as sporting events, concerts, and theaters may open at 25 percent capacity.
  • Places of worship can increase occupancy rates to 50 percent.

Customers and employees are either strongly recommended or required to wear masks and will be required to adhere to appropriate social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For full details and guidance, click here.


COVID-19 Testing

As we continue to fight the COVID-19 outbreak, testing is important to help quickly detect and minimize the spread. People who want to get tested should contact their health care provider or find a testing site on Minnesota's testing website. The Governor’s office has advised providers and clinics across the state to test all people who have attended large gatherings, even if they do not have symptoms.

Please continue to contact me at rep.rob.ecklund@house.mn or 651-296-2190 with your feedback or if I can be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

Rob Ecklund
State Representative