Dear Friends and Neighbors,
After 10 weeks of getting bills drafted and having hearings, we have hit first deadlines for this first year of the session. Now we work to narrow down what bills will be moving forward of those that have passed this far. I have been able to get a lot of bill hearings and work in a bi partisan manner to help move others through this first deadline. Yes, my office is busy and getting things done. This is what you said to me and expect me to do. It was a long week and there will be longer ones ahead, but it is important work to get done.
The Senate passed some business protection including the PPP tax savings. Now we wait for the House and Governor to bring their work on this important piece of legislation and together we will pass a better bill that left the Senate. I brought an amendment to give tax breaks to College Students and Businesses that are covering those student loans, however, much to my surprise, I couldn’t get it to pass. See my video below and let me know if you think it was and is a good idea. The Governor has also started to ease Covid-19 restrictions and I have highlighted those in this ENews as well. Also, I have put in here the Stimulus Package as passed by our Federal Delegation and signed into law by President Biden.
As always stay safe and stay in touch,
John
SF 263 Paycheck Protection Loan Forgiveness
This week the Senate passed a bill to conform with federal law to ensure Paycheck Protection Loans are tax exempt at the state level, much as they are exempt from federal taxes. This was an effort to not only conform but to assist our businesses before their filing deadline all across the state, big and small alike.
I offered an amendment to include a tax credit and tax breaks to College Students and Businesses that are covering those student loans, however, much to my surprise, I couldn’t get it to pass.
AGING & LONG-TERM CARE
Aging committee hears update on family visitation in long-term care.
Vaccinations continue to paint a brighter picture for Minnesota’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Over the past three months, COVID-19 infections in long-term care facilities have dropped 97%, reaching their lowest point since April 2020. Nearly every facility in the state has had the opportunity for residents and staff to receive at least one dose, and second dose appointments continue.
The Senate’s Aging and Long-Term Care Policy committee heard from the Minnesota Department of Health and long-term care providers on vaccines and family visitations. Members were glad to hear of the significant uptake from residents, with nearly 90% opting for vaccination. More concerning to members were the reports showing only 50% of staff have opted for vaccination so far. Provider groups said they hope to get at least 75% of staff vaccinated and are working on one-on-one counseling options for staff to listen to concerns and share information about these vaccines.
Also discussed was the pathway for reopening to allow more indoor visitation. While window visits, outdoor visits, and essential caregiver visitation have been ongoing since last summer, broader visitation guidance has depended on any outbreaks or exposures at the facility and community spread levels in the area.
Residents and loved ones are anxious to have more family visit options after nearing a year of health and safety restrictions. Even with the current options in place, for many it has been almost a year since visitors have been able to hug their loved ones or even hold their hand. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released recommendations this week that nursing homes allow indoor visits at all times and for all residents, with a few exceptions. The Minnesota Department of Health is reviewing these recommendations and should be releasing more guidance shortly.
Health and Human Services Finance
The Health and Human Services Finance and Policy committee heard a bill this week to extend postpartum Medical Assistance coverage from 60 days to one year. Women’s health experts testified in strong support of the proposal to provide a vital pathway to combat our country’s maternal health crisis.
While Minnesota fares better than other states in our maternal mortality figures, significant disparities exist by race and geography. Historically, the maternal mortality rate for African American women has been at least twice as high as white mothers; the American Indian mortality rate is approximately four times higher than white mothers. Data also suggests that almost half of maternal deaths occur in greater Minnesota.
The postpartum period has been a growing focus in efforts to address maternal morbidity and mortality. Postpartum care includes services like recovery from childbirth, follow up on pregnancy complications, management of chronic health conditions, access to family planning, and addressing mental health conditions.
Federal law requires our state’s Medical Assistance program to cover women who are enrolled during pregnancy for 60 days postpartum. Data suggests that 40% of women enrolled in MA during pregnancy lose this coverage after that time or face gaps in coverage, increasing the risk of severe health complications. Extending coverage after delivery is one common sense way to address the maternal health needs in Minnesota.
JUDICIARY
The ability to find someone’s private information and release it publicly with malicious intent, also known as “doxing”, has become easier and more popular with the advent of social media.
A bill heard this week in the Judiciary Committee would make it a crime to dox a law enforcement officer or a member of their family. Doing so places these individuals at high risk of harm, as tensions between communities and law enforcement have remained high and we’ve seen bad actors go out of their way to threaten the personal safety of our law enforcement community. The bill passed with bipartisan support and was sent to the floor. We recognize this tension and continue to work for transformational criminal justice and policing reform, while acknowledging the good work many of our law enforcement officers do to keep us safe. (SF 1197)
EDUCATION
The Senate Education Finance and Policy Committee heard a bill this week that would allow school districts to consider the school community’s religious observance when adopting an annual school calendar. Proponents of the bill stated that the legislation is designed to prompt school districts to be aware of all religious holidays their students might observe, which is especially relevant given the growing diversity in Minnesota, particularly among the school age population.
The legislation received letters of support and positive testimony from faith leaders of a broad range of traditions. Testifiers shared that what is good for the religious freedom of one religion is good for the religious freedom of all. In addition, the bill also requires a school board to provide annual notice to parents of the school district’s policy relating to a pupil’s absence from school for religious observance. This provision is designed to ensure that information is accessible for families. The bill was held over for possible inclusion in an education omnibus bill. (SF 966)
SF 1861 Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day
This week I spoke on a bill I am an author on that would establish Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day. It has taken us a long time to grow the understanding we have of Autism and we still learn more everyday. This bill will honor our citizens with Autism and encourage learning, continued growth and understanding as a state.
SF 1092 Informed Choice
This bill puts teeth into legislation enacted from a prior year by putting standards in place to ensure that people with disabilities are aware of all of their options when going through the waiver system. No one should be thrust into our system without a fair and complete knowledge of what is accessible.
SF 1330 Pathfinder Project
This bill would create a pilot project for a year that would be reported on, utilizing the Pathfinder Companion Application. This application connects those afflicted with Substance Use Disorder with resources and support to maintain sobriety. This innovative approach to keeping individuals connected at all times if they wish will hopefully improve outcomes and become a more widely used tool in obtaining and maintaining positive outcomes.
Local News
The proud endurance and hard work of the Anoka Dance team
“Famous Dave’s” will be opening a line service restaurant in Coon Rapids
Thirteen records were broken at the UWSP Aquatic Center
Champlin Park boys basketball team is poised to make a strong showing in postseason run
Brooklyn Park clinic does outreach to reduce disparities in vaccination among minority groups
Thank You!
It is my greatest honor to represent you the citizens of Brooklyn Park, Champlin and Coon Rapids here at our great state capitol. In addition to representing you, I absolutely enjoy it when you come visit. You must schedule with our office to arrange an appointment before any arrival, and we also do Zoom meetings! So reach out and tell me what matters to you or schedule an appointment so I can continue working on your behalf. You can reach me by email at sen.john.hoffman@senate.mn or by phone at 651-296-4154. I am at 95 University Avenue Suite 2235 in the Minnesota Senate Building.
Sincerely,
Senator John Hoffman