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Dear neighbors,
I hope that this email finds you well and staying warm! Here’s the latest news from the Capitol:
Bills That I’m Working On
I’ve introduced several bills during the first three weeks of session. Here are some of the highlights:
- HF 78 defines perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - man-made chemicals that can build up in the environment and in our bodies and cause negative health effects - as a hazardous substance, which makes them subject to more stringent regulations.
- HF 248 requires the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to hold a public meeting with Minnesotans, including those who may have been put at risk, before finalizing an agreement with certain facilities that violate environmental rules and regulations. If this legislation had been adopted before the Water Gremlin situation arose, our community would’ve had the opportunity to participate in the settlement process.
- HF 245 modernizes family child care regulations. This legislation is one of the recommendations of the Family Child Care Task Force, which I co-chair along with Senator Mary Kiffmeyer.
- HF 79 prohibits food packaging that contains PFAS, the harmful chemicals that I mentioned above.
I’m excited to champion these bills this year! I’ll keep you updated as they move through the legislative process. If you’d like to track these bills or other legislation that you’re interested in, the House’s MyBills tool is a great resource. You can find a list of all the bills I’ve authored here.
Small Business Assistance Available
As I mentioned last week, my colleagues and I passed a bipartisan assistance package last month. The package contained funding for each Minnesota county to deliver to local businesses. I included information about applying for Washington County’s relief program in my last update.
Ramsey County recently announced that they’ll be allocating most of the $10.7 million they received to support businesses that previously applied for assistance but didn’t receive any because there weren’t enough funds to meet the demand. Additional funds may be available after the outstanding applications are reviewed. If you’d like to receive a notification if Ramsey County begins accepting more applications, you can sign up here.
Gov. Walz Announces COVID-19 Recovery Budget
Yesterday, the governor released his budget proposal for the next two years. Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Recovery Budget invests in supporting working families, ensuring students catch up on learning, and helping small businesses stay afloat while driving Minnesota’s economic recovery. While I’m still reviewing all of the details, I’m glad to see that the governor’s proposal addresses the challenges we face today and invests in the future.
Vaccine Distribution Update
320,347 Minnesotans have now received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 85,217 have received both doses. While health care workers and long-term care residents and workers are at the top of the list, people who are 65 or older, teachers, school staff, and child care workers are now eligible to receive the vaccine as well. School employees and child care workers will receive information about available vaccine appointments through their employers. Minnesotans aged 65 and over can pre-register for a chance to be vaccinated at one of Minnesota’s community vaccination sites or wait to get the vaccine at their regular health care provider. Unfortunately, we’re not yet at the point where everyone who’s eligible to receive a vaccine will be able to get one right away. More opportunities will open up as more vaccines arrive.
I always appreciate hearing from Minnesotans, so please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me at rep.ami.wazlawik@house.mn or 651-296-3018.
Sincerely,
Ami Wazlawik
State Representative
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