Dear Neighbors,
The June Special Session provided mixed results for Minnesota, with success in areas like small business relief, but much more to be desired in public safety reform. COVID-19 makes an additional special session in July highly likely, and as we work toward that I’m excited to share that additional funds should soon be coming to our community to help us weather this pandemic.
Last week, Governor Walz announced a plan to deliver $841 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to Minnesota’s counties and cities. Under the formula, Bloomington would receive approximately $6.7 million. Once the Legislative Advisory Commission approves the plan, funds will be distributed on a rolling basis beginning this week. These funds were allocated along guidelines we created in the Minnesota House, and will go a long way in ensuring our local governments can continue to provide the services we need.
Assistance for Small Businesses
An early success from the special session was legislation I supported that would provide assistance to some of the smallest businesses in our community impacted by COVID-19. The bill created a $62.5 million fund with grants of up to $10,000. With a focus on businesses with 50 or fewer employees, these grants will provide Bloomington’s businesses with the assistance they need to weather these difficult times. To be eligible, the business must meet the following requirements:
- Have a permanent physical location in Minnesota,
- Be owned by a permanent resident of Minnesota,
- Be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office and the Dept. of Revenue as of March 1, 2020, and
- Demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unlike previous funds, these grants will be awarded by lottery. The deadline to apply for these grants is tomorrow. You can find more information and apply here.
New Laws
Today, several new laws will go into effect, including the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act. Alec Smith was a young Minnesotan who died because he could not afford the insulin he needed to live. The price of this life-saving medicine has skyrocketed over the years, and Alec’s Law not only guarantees that Minnesota’s diabetics will be able to access an emergency supply of insulin, it also holds insulin manufacturers accountable by paying into this solution. There’s a lot of work left to do to make medication more affordable, and another new law, the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, will help in that effort.
An Age Friendly Minnesota
The AARP has put out a survey to inform the work of the Governor’s Council on an Age Friendly Minnesota, which is working to drive coordinated action across state agencies and move Minnesota toward being a more livable, age friendly state. The full survey can be taken by individual Minnesota residents, age 45+ through July 3, 2020. You can take the survey here.
Stay Connected
Minnesota’s COVID-19 Dashboard remains a great source for accurate, updated information, and the Stay Safe webpage covers the resources available to the public as we work to reopen Minnesota safely. Also, be sure to save the date for our upcoming Virtual Town Hall.
We’ll be streaming live on Facebook, taking your questions. Stay tuned for more information, and please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments you have on our work, or the resources available to our community. You can reach me at rep.andrew.carlson@house.mn or leave a voicemail at (651) 296-4218. You can also follow along on my Facebook Page. It’s an honor to represent you in the Minnesota House, and I hope you and yours have a safe and healthy Independence Day.
Sincerely,
Andrew Carlson
State Representative