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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Ami Wazlawik (DFL)

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Legislative Update - A New Phase of the Stay Safe Plan

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Dear neighbors,

I hope you and your family are doing well as our state enters the next phase of the Stay Safe Plan. Indoor dining, gyms, and entertainment venues were able to start reopening yesterday, and places of worship and salons can now accommodate more people. More detailed information about this phase of the Stay Safe Plan can be found here.

Turning Dials  - June 5th

If you’d like to support local businesses, please continue social distancing and wearing a mask. The gradual reopening process is more likely to succeed if Minnesotans take actions to protect themselves, other customers, and employees.


Special Session Tomorrow

Tomorrow, my colleagues and I will return for a special session. When the legislature reconvenes, we plan to seize the opportunity to create meaningful change. Reforming our criminal justice system is a top priority, in addition to ensuring police officers are held accountable for their actions. I also hope to deliver financial assistance for Minnesotans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and pass a strong Jobs and Local Projects Bill that invests in public infrastructure projects in our community and across the state.

If you’d like to stay updated during the special session, you can watch House floor debates and committee hearings here. You can also follow me on Facebook for more frequent news.


COVID-19 Testing

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is advising everyone who recently attended a protest, vigil, or community event to get tested for COVID-19. If you start to feel sick, MDH recommends getting tested right away. If you don’t feel sick, you should get tested 5-7 days after the event. If the test is negative and you’re worried you might have been exposed, you can get another test 12-14 days after the event – even if you don’t feel sick. You can find more information and nearby testing locations here.

COVID-19 Testing


Support our Twin Cities Neighbors

I’ve received questions from community members about how they can help our Twin Cities neighbors, who are still reeling from the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd. I’d recommend checking out the Star Tribune’s list of resources and volunteer opportunities here.

I want to thank everyone who’s lent a hand during these difficult times. It’s moving to see Minnesotans from every corner of the state coming together to gather food and supplies for people and communities in need. This outpouring of generosity is a testament to how much Minnesotans care about one another.


Protecting Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities

Many people who live in long-term care facilities are at a higher risk for COVID-19. Last week, the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee held a hearing on efforts to protect these vulnerable Minnesotans. Public health professionals are fighting the spread of the virus in long-term care facilities by expanding testing for residents and workers, creating teams to provide support as needed, providing additional personal protective equipment, ensuring adequate staffing levels, and partnering with local organizations. If you’d like to learn more, you can read an overview of the hearing here or watch it here.


Pandemic EBT

If your child received free or reduced-price school meals this past year, the new Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program can help you buy food while schools are closed. Families with children between the ages of 5 and 18 can receive up to $325 per child to spend on groceries. You can read more about P-EBT and apply here. Applications are due by Tuesday, June 30.


Make Your Voice Heard

Standing Up to Racism Event

Members of our community are invited to participate in Standing Up to Racism: Educate and Eradicate, an upcoming event on Saturday, June 27. Community members will meet at Matoska Park at 9 a.m. for a walking tour of several historic sites in downtown White Bear Lake. This event is a great opportunity to learn more about racism and how to eradicate it in our community. More details are available here.


Finally, I’d like to thank everyone who has called or emailed me recently. Please continue sharing your feedback and suggestions.

Sincerely,

Ami Wazlawik
State Representative