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Dear Neighbor,
I hope you and your family had a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend.
The Legislature recently met in special session to address ongoing challenges related to COVID-19, advance criminal justice reforms, and complete unfinished business from the regular session. While we made some progress, Senate Republicans chose to adjourn without an agreement on several key items. I hope that we’ll have more success in our next special session, which Governor Walz is expected to call for next week.
Special Session
We made some important progress during the first special session. One of the bills we passed created a $62.5 million fund to assist small businesses. With a focus on businesses with 50 or fewer employees, it provides grants of up to $10,000 to help Minnesota businesses during these difficult times. I was especially pleased to help pass a bill that contains important provisions for students, teachers, and school staff. The legislation limits the circumstances under which preschool children can be suspended or expelled, requires mental health training for teachers, provides vaping prevention instruction, and expands access to academic and behavioral support services. Another significant bill increases rates for Minnesota’s child care assistance program for the first time in several years. This will help child care providers keep their doors open and continue caring for children. Really important legislation for an essential service.
Unfortunately, several issues are still unresolved. In the next special session, our DFL caucus will keep advocating for police accountability and criminal justice reform. In the wake of George Floyd’s killing, commonsense measures are needed to prevent similar tragedies. Other priorities include helping Minnesota families get through the pandemic and passing a strong Jobs and Local Projects Plan, often called a bonding bill. Both these issues should have support from the Republicans. A real chance for bipartisan cooperation.
CARES Act Funding for Local Governments
Governor Walz recently unveiled a plan to distribute $841 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to Minnesota’s cities, counties, and towns. His plan utilizes the per capita formula legislators developed during the special session. Based on that formula, Washington County will receive $31.7 million and Woodbury will receive $5.3 million. These funds, which will be distributed on a rolling basis, will help our local governments continue providing the services Minnesotans count on.
New Laws Take Effect
Several new laws took effect at the beginning of the month, including the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act. This legislation provides emergency access to insulin and makes the lifesaving medication more affordable long-term. The Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, which requires drug manufacturers to make their pricing information public, took effect on July 1 as well. Together, these laws will help lower the cost of insulin and other prescription drugs. More information about these new laws and others can be found here.
Grocery Assistance for Minnesota Families
If your child received free or reduced-price school meals last year, you may be eligible for assistance. The new Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program was created to help families with children buy food while schools are closed. Parents and guardians can receive up to $325 per child to spend on groceries. You can learn more about P-EBT and apply here.
Please continue to contact me at rep.steve.sandell@house.mn or 651-224-2152 if you’d like to share feedback or if I can be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Steve Sandell
State Representative
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