Dear Neighbors,
This will be my last legislative update until after the November election, as there are rules about sending unsolicited communications in election years. While I won’t be able to send these email updates for awhile, I’m still available to answer questions and discuss issues that are important to you. Please feel free to email me at rep.jamie.becker-finn@house.mn or give me a call at 651-296-7153. I will be happy to follow up with any questions or concerns you may have.
Special Session Update
Negotiations continue as our legislature attempts to reach compromises on criminal justice reform, a supplemental budget, and an overdue Jobs and Local Projects bonding bill. I am hopeful that we can reach some resolution when we reconvene in St. Paul this coming Monday.
Although most legislators are still participating in our House floor sessions remotely, as an Assistant Majority Leader I have been present in the Capitol with a few other Representatives and non-partisan House staff.
Housing Assistance for Minnesotans
As rent and mortgage payments continue to come due, many Minnesotans are struggling to maintain secure housing. On Tuesday, Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan announced that $100 million of funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will be used for housing assistance. These funds will help support Minnesotans during the pandemic and prevent evictions and homelessness. Minnesotans will be able to apply for assistance with local administrators in early August. You can find more details here.
Hire a Veteran Month
Governor Walz has declared July “Hire a Veteran Month” in Minnesota to bring awareness to the extensive skills our veterans bring to the workplace – and to encourage employers to hire veterans not only this month, but throughout the year. The large Veterans Career Fair that typically takes place in July has been postponed because of the pandemic. However, CareerForce – led by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)’s Veterans Employment Program – is holding a Virtual Career Fair next week with the support of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and other partners. You can learn more here.
Reminder: Respond to the Census
If you haven’t responded to the 2020 Census yet, please remember to do so! It only takes a few minutes to respond, and the data determines how federal funding is allocated. It also impacts representation at the local, state, and national level. As you may know, Minnesota could lose one of our eight Congressional seats if we don’t get a strong count.
You can respond online here, by phone at 844-330-2020, or by returning the census information you received by mail. Please remind friends and family to respond as well! Using these methods will help keep everyone safe because fewer census workers will need to go door to door to gather information.
I hope you and your family have a great rest of your summer despite the challenges we are facing this year! I encourage you to take advantage of our public parks and outdoors spaces. As always, it is an honor to serve as your state representative.
Be well,
Jamie Becker-Finn
State Representative