Dear Neighbors,
I hope you have been enjoying summer so far! While we continue to take advantage of everything our region provides us during summer, COVID-19 is still here, and if you haven’t yet done so, please get vaccinated. The vaccine is safe, effective, and as Delta and other variants of the virus continue to emerge, the most effective step we can all take right now to close this chapter. A list of vaccine opportunities is available here.
Main Street Revitalization Project
Minnesota small businesses have experienced a crisis over the past year and a half. They represent the backbones of our main street economies, and to help them rebound from the challenges they’ve faced, in the recently passed bipartisan state budget, lawmakers included an $80 million investment in the Main Street Economic Revitalization Program. The program will award grants to partner organizations to establish programs within specific communities that will, in turn, fund economic development and redevelopment projects. These projects will address the greatest needs that have arisen in our communities since March 15, 2020 and spur economic revitalization across Minnesota. Eligible partner organizations include foundations engaged in economic development, community development financial institutions, and nonprofit organizations engaged in housing and commercial development.
The program launches on August 3. For more information, visit the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s website.
Assistance for Frontline Workers
Minnesota workers also faced tremendous adversity throughout the pandemic. Many of our essential, frontline workers put their own health and safety at risk while stepping up every day for their communities. Following such dedicated service, they deserve financial support.
Our budget agreement included $250 million worth of pay for frontline workers. To determine to whom and how the funding will be allocated, a working group has been established with appointees from Governor Walz, the House, and the Senate. The full Legislature will ultimately have the responsibility to act upon the group’s recommendations. As they embark upon their work this summer, you can follow along with their activities here.
Drought Conditions Persist
Agriculture in Minnesota isn’t just a major driver of our state economy; every Minnesotan relies on fresh, nutritious food every day. Sadly, much of our state is experiencing the worst drought in a decade and farmers and livestock producers are facing an extremely difficult outlook. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has compiled a series of resources on its website. Additionally, Governor Walz has requested assistance from the USDA to aid Minnesota’s livestock producers by relieving the immediate impacts of drought on grazing land.
We all have a part to play in water conservation by limiting lawn watering, taking shorter showers, and not letting the faucet run unnecessarily. Also, take care to check fire conditions if you’re camping or planning a recreational fire. Longer-term, the drought highlights the urgency in taking bold action to address global climate change, and House DFLers remain committed to a clean energy future with a lesser reliance on fossil fuels and other pollutants.
As always, I invite you to reach out to me with your input, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Liz Olson
State Representative