HD40A , CD3 DFL

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: June 30, 2021

Neighbors,

Today is the final day of our special session, with the last of our budget bills being passed off the House floor. Early this morning, we passed our State Government, Elections, and Veterans Budget, which I was honored to carry in the House. Like all of our budget bills, it was the product of compromise, with some important provisions left behind, but it’s ultimately a great bill for Minnesotans.

As our state bounces back from the COVID-19 pandemic, our compromise budget fully funds a responsive state government that’s able to meet this moment and assist in our recovery. The budget also protects access to our elections, enforces wage theft laws, and funds resources for the men and women that served our country.

You can read nonpartisan summaries of all our budget bills and the process to pass them below, thanks to our House Public Information Services. All that’s missing is our Tax bill, which we’re currently debating:

Neighbors,

An Orderly End to the Peacetime Emergency

More Minnesotans are fully vaccinated, COVID-19 cases are down, and in St. Paul we recently reached a deal with the US Department of Agriculture to continue emergency food assistance, and passed an off-ramp to the eviction moratorium – all components that led to us being able to vote for a safe and orderly end to the COVID-19 peacetime emergency, which had been in place since last March.

Ending the peacetime emergency also ends Governor Waz’s executive orders, and it was in negotiations with the Senate and the Governor that we were able to put together this roadmap that ensured we weren’t just replacing this emergency with a different crisis when it ends. For example, the off-ramp we just passed to the eviction moratorium gives landlords and renters the time and resources they need to be made whole. If you or someone you know has been struggling with rent payments because of the pandemic, I highly encourage you to check out renthelpmn.org.

Stay Connected

With the end of today’s special session, we’re not scheduled to be back on the House floor until the 2022 legislative session. During the interim, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you have about the bills we passed this year, or ideas you may have for our community. You can contact me through email (rep.michael.nelson@house.mn) or phone (651-296-3751). I appreciate hearing from you, and I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and fun 4th of July weekend.

Sincerely,

Rep. Michael V. Nelson

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: May 28, 2021

Neighbors,

Though the regular legislative session adjourned last week, we’re still focused on finalizing our state budget. Before we adjourned, we were able to reach a bipartisan agreement on a budget framework, so now we’ll hammer out the details ahead of an anticipated June special session.

The good news is that the state is on the right path to ensure our students, families, workers, and small businesses get the investments they need to bounce back from the past year – thanks in part to the federal funds we received from the American Rescue Plan.

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: May 4, 2021

Neighbors,

We’re in the final weeks of session, with our constitutional deadline of May 17 fast approaching. As all of our budget proposals have been voted off the House floor, our attention now turns to conference committees with our Senate counterparts to craft consensus legislation between our two very different budget proposals.

For my part, I’ve been appointed to the State Government Conference Committee, where I’ll be advocating against the Senate’s anti-democratic election proposals. It’s highly likely the bill we passed in the House will look much different when our conference committee’s work is finished, but that is the nature of compromise. As one of the only divided state governments in the nation, it’s up to us to show that coming together for bipartisan results is still possible.

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: April 22, 2021

Neighbors,

It has been a busy week for Minnesota, both in the national and global news, and in our efforts at the Minnesota Legislature. Not far from our community, we saw another tragic killing of a Black man by law enforcement when Daunte Wright was shot in Brooklyn Center, and earlier this week former officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty for the murder of George Floyd.

In finding former officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all three counts, the jury has helped move us toward justice in this instance, but there is more left to do to ensure all Minnesotans have access to the dignity and safety they deserve.

As a community, we need to continue to call out racism in our systems, and as a legislator, I will continue to fight for public safety reforms and equity measures that protect and lift up everyone in our community, no matter what they look like or where they are from.

Minnesota House approves State Government, Elections, Veterans Budget

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – This evening, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed their proposal for the State Government budget bill, including provisions from the State Government Finance and Elections Committee as well as the Labor, Industry, Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee. The legislation funds the state’s constitutional offices, internal service agencies, and various boards, councils, and commissions. In addition to funding the state government, the bill also contains policies and funding to protect and strengthen Minnesota’s elections. The bill passed on a vote of 68-62.

“As our state addresses and recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the investments in this bill facilitate the responsive state government Minnesotans deserve,” said Michael Nelson (DFL – Brooklyn Park), Chair of the House State Government Finance and Elections Committee. “Minnesotans hold elections in high regard, as seen by our consistent leadership in voter turnout. Following a safe, transparent, and secure election in 2020, our proposal strives to engage even more Minnesotans in the right to have their voices heard when exercising their civic duty.”

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 30, 2021

Neighbors,

Since my recent update on the vaccine eligibility in our state, we already have an exciting change. Starting today, all Minnesotans age 16 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. While eligible, it’s still not the case that doses are readily available, and many locations are fully booked for appointments for the time being. An increased supply of vaccines is expected from the federal government in early April, so look for more opportunities to get your first dose in the coming weeks.

At-risk Minnesotans are still being prioritized, so patience is key as we wait our turns.

Rep. Mike Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 20, 2021

Neighbors,

More Minnesotans are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We reached our goal of vaccinating 70% of Minnesotans 65 and older last week, despite original projections showing that wouldn’t be the case until the end of this month. With vaccine administration being ahead of schedule, it’s highly possible that full vaccination could be a reality for all Minnesotans who want it by this summer. Events like the State Fair are within our reach, as long as we play it smart in the coming months.

Minnesotans who are now eligible to receive a vaccine include the following:

People with certain underlying conditions, including sickle cell disease, down syndrome, and oxygen-dependent chronic lung or heart conditions, and those who are in active cancer treatment or immunocompromised from organ transplant
People with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk
Food processing plant workers

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: September 26, 2021

Neighbors,

I hope you’re all enjoying our February thaw. Days are getting brighter and optimism continues to grow as we receive a clearer picture for vaccine distribution in our state. This week, Minnesota announced a timeline of when Minnesotans could expect to receive the vaccine – based on components such as their age, occupation, and underlying medical conditions. The vaccine is expected to be available to all who want it by this summer.

Regardless of when you’re eligible to receive the vaccine, you should sign up for Minnesota’s Vaccine Connector, which will help notify when and where you can get your first dose.

Get Connected to Your COVID-19 Vaccine Image

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: February 12, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

This weekend is going to be a continuation of sub-zero temperatures, and with the cold weather I wanted to make sure our community was aware of the available resources for those struggling to pay their heating bill. The Energy Assistance Program helped over 118,00 households pay heating bills last year, and you’re still able to apply – though applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program serves households that earn less than $54,357 for a household of four or $28,266 for a household of one. If you’re eligible, you can apply for assistance with your service provider. You can call at 800-657-3710 or visit the Commerce Department’s Energy Assistance Program webpage.

Additionally, Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (CWR) helps protect and reconnect your heat from October 15 through April 15. All electric and natural gas companies must offer CWR protection, with different types of payment plans available depending on your household income and which electric or natural gas company you have. You can find more information on how to take advantage of the CWR here.

The Latest on the COVID-19 Vaccine

We’ve recently received some good news with President Biden announcing yesterday that the US is securing 600 million more vaccine doses. Add low rates of hospital admissions, an uptick in vaccination counts, and over 30 percent of Minnesotans 65 and older now vaccinated, and there are many reasons to be optimistic. We’re closer than ever to closing this dark chapter, but it’s still incredibly important to follow public health guidelines.

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: January 29, 2021

Neighbors,

I hope you and yours are doing well. We’re one month down in the 2021 Legislative Session, and we’ve spent most of this month laying the groundwork for our legislative priorities. As chair of the State Government Finance and Elections Committee, one piece of legislation I’m proud to co-author is House File 9, which is part of the Democracy for the People Act.

Today, we finished the first committee stop for this legislation, which would strengthen and protect our democracy. Minnesotans hold free and fair elections in extremely high regard, as shown by our consistent leadership in statewide voter turnout. The Democracy for the People Act steps up during a critical time for our democracy and says that no matter your party, region, race, or age – our democracy needs to work for all Minnesotans.

An Orderly End to the Peacetime Emergency

Stay Connected

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