July 16, 2020
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’ve had some time to enjoy summer! Although we aren’t able to do many things that we normally would, there are still opportunities to get outside and enjoy the weather. I’d encourage you to visit our many state parks and recreation areas and historic sites. Personally, I’m a fan of the Nine Mile Creek Trail in Bloomington (pictured below).
I am continuing to work on the issues that I’ve been hearing about from our neighbors, including police accountability and criminal justice reform, a bonding bill, and our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic challenges we face as a result. I am committed to working on the tough issues that matter to our neighbors in Richfield and Bloomington, and across Minnesota.
Second Special Session
On July 10th, Governor Walz announced that he would again call the legislature into special session due to his decision to extend the state of emergency related to COVID. The legislature convened this past Monday, and discussions continue. Of most critical importance are police accountability and reform, and passing a public works bonding bill.
I was extremely disappointed that neither of those priorities were addressed in the previous special session. I continue to support the POCI Caucus proposals, and to encourage the Senate Republican majority to listen to the voices of those most affected by bad policies and bad actors in our police system. The need for the jobs that a bonding bill would create could not be more obvious. I am heartened that progress seems to be occurring on this, and I’m hopeful that a robust bill that funds greatly needed projects will pass. I am prepared to support a bill that recognizes that need and fully invests in Minnesota.
Emergency Declaration Vote
Minnesota Statute states that the Governor can declare a state of emergency when “an act of nature, …endangers life and property and local government resources are inadequate to handle the situation.” When a state of emergency is declared, the legislature has the power to end it. This requires a vote of both the House and the Senate. On Monday, the Senate did take up a resolution to end Gov. Walz’s declaration of emergency. I voted No.
It is clear from the data we have that COVID is still a very real threat. The pandemic has not ended. The emergency has not ended. Responding swiftly and carefully is incredibly important, and ending the state of emergency ends that ability. Additionally, the Governor has issued numerous executive orders to keep Minnesotans safe and secure, and without enacting similar provisions into law, those would all be terminated as well. This would have dire effects on many Minnesotans’ health, housing, and ability to access important services.
Given the importance of local communities having access to PPE and other essential equipment, I believe the Governor needs to have the authority to use shorter procurement processes and look at needs on a statewide basis. The Governor’s office is continually reviewing existing executive orders and thus far, 31 have expired or been rescinded. We have made some progress over the last few months, but I do not believe we are yet to a point where ending the state of emergency would be safe for Minnesotans.
New Child Care Assistance Funding
Minnesota child care providers will be eligible for $56.6 million in funds to help ensure children’s and staff’s health and safety in their child care settings during COVID-19. The new COVID-19 Public Health Support Funds for Child Care program is specifically designed to provide support to all child care providers who qualify.
Child care providers can apply for the funding now through 5pm Thursday, July 23rd. To apply for these funds, providers fill out an online application using a link that they should have received from the Minnesota Department of Human Services on July 15th.
Benefits available under the program include:
- Licensed family child care providers will receive up to $1,200 per month for July, August and September
- Licensed centers will receive up to $8,500 per month for July, August and September
- Certain certified centers will receive up to $8,500 per month in July and August. Eligible certified centers include nonprofit programs that primarily provide care for school-age children year round, but full time in the summer months and are certified to participate in the Child Care Assistance Program for families with low incomes.
All eligible providers who apply will receive funds. Families and providers can find more information here.
Due to campaign finance requirements in an election year, this will be my final Email Update for 2020. I am still able to respond to individual constituents, so if you have any questions or concerns, please continue to reach out to me. Thank you for the opportunity to serve our communities in the Minnesota Senate.
Regards,
Melissa