Dear Neighbors,
We wrapped up the 2020 session yesterday, but we weren’t able to pass many bills that Minnesotans need to get through this crisis. This session has been extraordinary in several ways, and we had to make difficult adjustments in order to pass needed legislation. By working together we passed significant COVID-19 legislation giving Minnesota some of the resources it needed to rise to the challenge. However, in the final week we weren’t able to find a compromise on important legislation, and while there may be an opportunity to reconsider these critical measures as we continue our efforts addressing COVID-19, this last weekend was our best shot at reaching a compromise. Here is some major legislation that we failed to pass in the final hours:
- ratification of state worker contracts; these state employees include nurses on the front lines of COVID-19, corrections officers, cleaning and sanitation workers, public health workers doing the essential job of testing, monitoring, tracing, and mitigating COVID-19 in Minnesota. They are critical to our fight against COVID-19 and Republicans let them down;
- $100 million in housing assistance for all Minnesotans; Minnesotans all across the state are facing difficulty paying their rent and mortgages, in order to fight this virus everyone needs a stable home;
- increased Minnesota Family Investment assistance for MN families that need the most help;
- temporary wage increase for personal care assistants who are taking care of our most vulnerable;
- ensuring full pay for hourly school workers; these workers are help to raise and care for our children, they deserve to have financial assurance in these trying times;
- emergency loans for state small and minority owned businesses; these businesses form the backbone of our community and they need our help.
Early during the COVID-19 crisis there was a sense of togetherness and comradery. Unfortunately, our efforts to support Minnesotans became partisan. We will continue to do my best to advocate for our district's needs.
House DFL Releases Jobs and Local Projects Bill
The Jobs and Local Projects Proposal or “bonding” bill, did not receive the 3/5 vote necessary to pass in the House of Representatives. Our bill would have invested in Minnesotans in a time when it’s needed most, it contained $2.524 billion in renovations, repairs, and replacement of public assets like higher education institutions, clean water infrastructure, correctional facilities, roads and bridges, parks and trails, municipal buildings and more. There were a few great proposals for our district that would have gone a long way towards supporting our community, including; $2,162,00 for the Highway 169 Regional Trail Connection, $4,975,000 for Minnesota riverbank stabilizations, and $60,000 for the design of a Scott County Innovation Center.
We will continue to advocate for the local projects that our community needs. The language of the proposal is available here. A spreadsheet of included projects can be found here.
Valleyfair Bill To Become Law
Rep. Tabke’s bill, HF3720, which provides flexibility to businesses like ValleyFair by lowering the minimum age required to operate amusement rides safely, was passed by both the House and Senate and is expected to be signed into law. The bill was also amended to allow Minnesotans who are at least 16 years of age to operate certain types of lawn care equipment. This bill is the result of a strong bipartisan effort working to find ways to help our local businesses across the state.
Canterbury Park Bill To Become Law
HF 4597, authored by Rep. Tabke, is also expected to be signed into law after passing the House and Senate. The bill allows horse racing facilities to use funds for capital improvements and operation expenses, as well as increasing flexibility for when a licensee may operate during extraordinary circumstances. This is a critical initiative to help Canterbury Park continue operations during the COVID-19 crisis. By granting racing facilities more flexibility in where they use their funds and letting the commission act with more leniency during this crisis, we will give these important aspects of our economy some breathing room to get by.
Other Information
- It is Mental Health Awareness Month. There are many in our community who struggle with various mental health issues; if you or someone you know needs help, please visit this website for resources in Scott County. Additionally, if you or a loved one you know is in a mental health crisis, please refer to these numbers for immediate help, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM call 952-496-8481 for crisis appointment during business hours. 4:30 PM to 8:00 AM call 952-818-3702 for Scott County Crisis Response mobile services. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day.
Brad Tabke, State Representative | Rep.Brad.Tabke@house.mn
Eric Petersen, Legislative Assistant | Eric.Petersen@house.mn