Dear Friends,
This year has been one of the most challenging in our state’s entire history. Our world was turned upside down by the arrival of COVID-19, a health care challenge that continues to put lives at risk while having already claimed the lives of over 1,400 Minnesotans. The effects of the pandemic has resulted in the closure of thousands of businesses throughout our state, forcing hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans out of work.
In the midst of this pandemic, we also witnessed the horrific murder of George Floyd. His death saw tens of thousands of protesters and demonstrators taking to the streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The sickening scene recorded on camera outraged me and has resulted in many calls and e-mails for police reform. I will deal with that issue head on, while knowing full well that what happened in Minneapolis is not indicative of the attitudes and practices of all police officers or police departments. In 26 years as an elected official, I have never once heard a complaint about our local police. So, as a legislature we need to act now to send a clear message that we will not tolerate racial injustice; however, we must not make one-size-fits-all laws regarding police and judicial reform.
The legislature is working diligently to respond to these and the other challenges facing our state. We are moving to help keep our communities safe, put people back to work, and to ensure that equal treatment under the law is guaranteed. The pursuit of safety, prosperity and equal rights will continue.
Hire a Veteran Month/Online Resources
Governor Tim Walz has declared July “Hire A Veteran Month” to encourage Minnesota employers to hire veterans, not only in July, but throughout the year. There are over 300,000 veterans that live in Minnesota and about half of them are of working age.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 concerns, the annual Veterans Career Fair has been postponed. The MN Department of Employment and Economic Development will, however, host two virtual veterans events this month with the support of the MN Department of Veterans Affairs and other partners. I would encourage all Minnesota veterans to attend these free online events. Details below:
Veterans’ Virtual Resources Fair
Thursday, July 16, 1-3 p.m. Learn about the resources, services and benefits provided by multiple organizations and agencies that serve veterans.
Veterans’ Virtual Career Fair
Thursday, July 23, 1-3 p.m. Meet Yellow Ribbon employers and make connections with employer representatives who are looking to hire now.
Registration is required for both events. All you need to participate is an Internet connection and the ability to stream video and audio. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Shannon Sprouse at Shannon.Sprouse@state.mn.us.
Child Care Support
Governor Walz announced the $56.6 million Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) proposal last week to help support Minnesota child care providers. Starting today, Minnesota child care providers can apply for funding here. Approximately 7,000 Minnesota child care providers will be eligible for these funds to help ensure children’s and staff’s health and safety in their child care settings during COVID-19. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 23.
Housing Assistance & Homelessness Prevention
To help prevent evictions and homelessness and to maintain housing stability for individuals and families impacted by COVID-19, Governor Tim Walz announced a $100 million housing assistance program. This investment will be funded with federal dollars through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which was authorized by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency recently launched a COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program Request for Proposals to select local organizations to administer the housing assistance program. Local grant administrators will be selected in the coming weeks, and Minnesota Housing anticipates Minnesotans can begin applying for assistance with local grant administrators in the first part of August. Additional information about the program can be found on the Minnesota Housing website.
If you have any questions or wish to unsubscribe from this Newsletter please feel free to contact my office at 651-296-2556 or by email at sen.jerry.newton@senate.mn.
Thank you and stay safe,
Jerry Newton
State Senator
District 37