Dear Neighbors,
We learned yesterday that Minnesota faces a $2.4 billion deficit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am pleased to report, however, that the responsible budgeting decisions we made last year have left the state with $2.3 billion in our state’s rainy-day fund. The prudent decisions we made before will allow us to manage this deficit without disastrous cuts or tax increases.
In addition, the federal stimulus package from several weeks ago (the CARES Act) provided the state with nearly $2 billion in aid. There have been discussions in Washington, D.C. about additional aid to state and local governments. These federal funds will allow the state to offer new aid to members of our community that are suffering during the pandemic, which includes my bill to provide forgivable loans to small businesses.
But the good news today doesn’t guarantee good news tomorrow. If the pandemic worsens, or if a “second wave” materializes in the fall, our state’s budget could fall further into deficit. We will need to continue to be cautious and responsible as we think about how to manage the state’s finances. Read more here.
Elective Surgeries to Resume
Governor Walz announced on Tuesday that elective procedures will soon be allowed to resume — as early as next week — on the condition that health care providers develop a plan to safely provide these procedures in a manner that is consistent with Minnesota Department of Health guidelines. You can read more about the executive order here.
Securing Pay for Hourly School Workers
Yesterday I voted in favor of a bill to provide economic security to the hourly workers at our schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. These workers, which include paraprofessionals, food service workers, and bus drivers among others, are still working for our students during distance learning and are essential to our education system. We can’t leave them behind. I hope the Minnesota Senate passes this bill quickly!
Securing Safe Elections
This week, with my support, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation allowing for the utilization of federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds to ensure the health and safety of election officials and in-person voters. This includes preparation for increased absentee voting, new polling place locations, the purchase of sanitation and disinfectant supplies, and public outreach for implementing social distancing guidelines related to voting.
Keep in Touch
Please contact me anytime with questions or input. Don’t hesitate to let me know how I can be of assistance to you and your family.
It’s an honor to represent our Coon Rapids and Champlin neighborhoods at the State Capitol.
Sincerely,
Zack Stephenson
State Representative