Dear Neighbors,
A big thank you to everyone for allowing me to continue working for our Champlin and Coon Rapids communities for another two-year term. Working together-regardless of party affiliation- to find common ground for our families is my top priority. Now more than ever, we need to make this commitment to Minnesotans, especially as we’ll once again be the only divided state legislature in the country. Our to-do list is large, and the Legislature must find solutions to address public health and economic relief. Hospitals are under enormous strain, homelessness is increasing, Minnesotans are struggling to afford their mortgages and rent, and small businesses continue to struggle during a global pandemic. The Legislature will also be tasked with balancing a state budget. Your feedback is critical in these endeavors.
Here is an update from the Capitol:
Turning the dial back, yesterday Governor Walz announced a four-week pause on social activities, in-person dining, sports, and fitness establishments. With hospitals at full capacity and health care worker shortages apparent, we must take action now to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
My focus is on ensuring Mercy Hospital and all of our local care providers and first responders have the resources they need, as well as helping our small businesses survive.
We’re working hard on the state level to protect public health and our local economy in combatting the virus, but there are limits to what we can accomplish, and we need the federal government to step up – now. I am pressuring feds to quickly approve more federal COVID-19 aid as soon as possible.
In the meantime, getting tested is highly encouraged. All COVID-19 testing is no cost at Minnesota community testing sites. For our neighbors in the north metro, the nearest location to get a saliva test (less invasive, and usually have quicker results) is at the Brooklyn Park Starlite Center (Former Office Max building next to the Panda Garden Buffet, just east of Jolly Lane), 8085 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428.
Their hours are: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Minnesota Enacts Largest Bonding Bill in State History
I am thrilled to report that the Minnesota House and Senate passed a phenomenal, bipartisan Jobs and Infrastructure bill last month. There are so many great provisions in this bill, including many projects in Champlin in Coon Rapids. The legislation funds improvements to the Anoka Ramsey Technical and Community College, Coon Rapids’ Recycling Center, Mississippi Point Park in Champlin, and Highway 10. A full list of the projects included can be accessed here.
Lending a Helping Hand for the Holidays
The Anoka Community Mission is holding their second annual Hope for the Holidays Canned Food Collection Drive. With the holidays are right around the corner, many of our neighbors are still struggling as a result of the pandemic. Can you lend a helping hand? Collections will be taken this Sunday, November 22 from noon-3:00 p.m. at the Anoka Community Mission’s Headquarters, 440 Pierce Street in Anoka. Monetary donations can also be made at www.anokacommunitymission.org.
Stay in Touch
As the cold weather settles in and we continue to take all the safety precautions we can- wearing a mask, staying home when we can, washing our hands frequently, distancing socially, and getting tested- I hope you’ll reach out if you need any help or have questions. My email is rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn or you can call my cell phone at 763-370-9000.
We’re all in this together. Please take good care of yourself and your family.
Sincerely,
Zack Stephenson
State Representative