June 11, 2020
Dear Neighbor,
These last few weeks have been emotional and challenging. George Floyd’s killing, and the issues it has laid bare have tested us in ways that we are still coming to terms with. On Tuesday this week, I toured areas of Minneapolis affected by fires. I heard from area residents about the challenges they are facing moving forward, including the granddaughter of a business owner who told us of the sadness she feels seeing her family’s work destroyed. It is urgent for the legislature to find ways to assist with rebuilding these communities.
The continued difficulties of addressing COVID-19 have only added to that strain. We know these are difficult times, and I am committed to working on the tough issues that matter to our neighbors in Richfield and Bloomington, and across Minnesota.
Gov. Walz calls Special Session
Earlier this week, Governor Walz announced that he would be calling the legislature into special session tomorrow. He is required to do this by state law, since he is extending the state of emergency he declared as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislature will then have the opportunity to vote on ending that state of emergency, which requires both the Senate and the House of Representatives to do so.
The legislature is not limited to acting on anything in particular, however, and Gov. Walz has stated his administrations priorities: police accountability and reformand building a stronger, more equitable economy. I support these priorities, and I’m hopeful that we can make the kind of progress that Minnesotans expect. Adjournment of the special session is also up to the legislature.
The proposals put forward by the legislative People of Color and Indigenous Caucus as well as the working group on Police-Involved Deadly Force Encounters will form the basis of the work done on police reform. As specific proposals are introduced, I will post additional information on my Facebook page. Additionally, I hope the legislature will pass a strong, robust bonding bill to fund important local projects, continue to address economic needs as a result of COVID – including distributing local government funding from the federal CARES Act – and provide assistance to Minneapolis and St. Paul businesses affected by recent events.
Gradual Reopening Continues
Also this week, the third phase of the gradual reopening of Minnesota businesses continued. As of Wednesday, the Stay Safe MN plan includes:
- Restaurants can begin offering indoor dining while maintaining social distancing, requiring reservations, and seating no more than 50 percent occupancy.
- Indoor social gatherings can take place with 10 people or less; outdoor social gatherings can take place with 25 people or less.
- Gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, and martial arts may open at 25 percent capacity.
- Indoor entertainment venues, such as theaters and concert halls, can open at 25 percent capacity.
- Places of worship can increase occupancy rates to 50 percent.
- Recreational indoor entertainment venues, such as bowling alleys, arcades, and museums may open at 25 percent capacity.
- Personal services, such as salons, tattoo parlors, and barbershops, may open at 50 percent capacity while requiring reservations.
- Outdoor entertainment venues, such as sporting events, concerts, and theaters may open at 25 percent capacity.
Additional COVID-19 Assistance
I also wanted to make sure that folks are aware of two additional assistance programs that are available as a result of COVID. The third round of Peacetime Emergency Child Care Grants is now open for applications through June 15. Additional funding from the CARES Act is available, and eligibility criteria have been expanded. So far, $20 million in emergency child care grants has already been awarded, and this third round will bring that total to close to $40 million. The USDA also recently approved Minnesota’s application for Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) to help families replace the meals their children lost because schools are closed. This federal initiative is a temporary program to provide a one-time lump sum benefit to families for groceries.
I hope you will keep in touch as the special session progresses, and afterward, as issues are discussed. Please continue to share your thoughts and questions with me. Thank you for the opportunity to serve our communities in the Minnesota Senate.
Regards,
Melissa