Tag: Michael Howard

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday, the Minnesota Legislature convened to pass a package of legislation to address the health and economic security that Minnesotans deserve during this public health crisis. Here is a summary of some of those provisions:

• Grants to support child care providers who are struggling to stay open while providing essential care for children, especially for families of health care workers.
• Hunger relief funding to address food bank, food shelf, and transportation needs during the pandemic.
• Homelessness prevention funding, such as emergency services grants and resources to protect the health of our homeless and the staff working to address their safety.
• Grants and loans to support our struggling small businesses with 250 employees or less.
• Extensions to renew expired drivers licenses and other permits that cannot be updated during the Governor’s “Stay at Home” order.
• Creation of a COVID-19 fund that gives Governor Walz  and our state agencies the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed most to respond to this pandemic.

Continue reading “Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: March 27, 2020”

Continue reading “Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: March 25, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

Today’s news surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic brought the heavy update of 235 confirmed cases in Minnesota, and the first death as a result of the virus in the state, which occured over the weekend.

This morning, Governor Walz self-quarantined after coming in contact with COVID-19, and Sen. Klobuchar’s husband has tested positive for the virus. While both Governor Walz and Sen. Klobuchar do not have symptoms, their experiences, and the growing list of stories we hear about daily, emphasize the need to take COVID-19 and the measures to curb the spread seriously. The best thing many of us can do is simply stay home.

Continue reading “Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: March 23, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

In the midst of the COVID-19 global epidemic, our efforts at the State Capitol continue to focus on ways to prepare for and address the virus. Our most recent work has largely been on ensuring Minnesota’s public health system is properly funded, and while that will always be a priority, we need to start seriously thinking about the other ways this pandemic is impacting the lives of Minnesotans.

One piece of legislation I’m working on would place a statewide moratorium on evictions while also providing emergency housing assistance to thousands of Minnesotans who may face housing instability during epidemic.

Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans may face housing instability by the end of this month, threatening their own security, wellbeing and the health of the public. Some of Minnesota’s most vulnerable, people with disabilities and seniors, are at risk. It is vital that we respond proactively to this looming housing crisis to ensure all Minnesotans can stay in their homes, stay safe, and in turn, help keep all of us safe. Continue reading “Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: March 19, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

These next few weeks or months will be trying times for many of us, but by following the advice of our health professionals and through responsive action, we will get through this together. Our state government is taking action to slow the spread of COVID-19 and each and every one of us can do our part in this collective effort to save lives.

Here are a few updates: Continue reading “Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: March 16, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

Last week was another busy week at the Minnesota Legislature as we passed our first four bills of session off the House floor. I’m happy to say the very first bill we passed was the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act.

Nicole Smith-Holt and more than a dozen insulin advocates watched the debate from the House Gallery, and their presence was felt by everyone in the chamber. I am so proud to be working with this committed and courageous group of fierce advocates fighting for a future where everyone has access to affordable insulin when they need it. Continue reading “Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: March 2, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

Our second week of the 2020 legislative session started out strong when I joined my fellow members of the House Climate Action Caucus on Monday to announce our “can-do” proposals for addressing the climate crisis. The Climate Action Caucus spent the last few months holding informational hearings on various policy areas and how they intersect with climate change solutions. This is an issue championed by our state’s young leaders, the ones who climate change will impact the most, and it’s through their advocacy that we brought these bold new ideas forward this week.

You can stay connected to our work in the Climate Action Caucus by subscribing to updates here, and you can learn more about our proposals here.

A Home Run for Housing

I had the opportunity to chair the Housing Finance and Policy Division this week while Rep. Alice Hausman presented her bill, which I am proud to co-sponsor, that would authorize an investment of $500 million in housing. This is an innovative bill that would fund everything from emergency shelters, the construction of new housing, and $100 million for the improvement of existing public housing.

Every year it seems like we do a tiny bit more for housing in Minnesota, raising that bar little by little. It’s not often in committee that I get to make a “Bomba Sqaud” reference, but I think we need to follow the example of the Minnesota Twins and set a new home run record when it comes to establishing a continued sustained investment in affordable housing, and $500+ million is what’s needed. You can watch my remarks on my Facebook page here.

Thank you to Homes for All for honoring me with their Housing Champion Award. Homes for All does a fantastic job advocating for statewide housing stability for all Minnesotans, and they’re great partners in our work in the Housing Division.

Fast-Tracking Insulin Affordability

It’s been a bit of a marathon these first two weeks as the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act has moved quickly through the legislative process. After seven committee hearings in seven days, the Minnesota House is poised to yet again pass a bill that ensures no Minnesotan loses their life because they can’t afford their insulin. I am so grateful for the Minnesotans with diabetes who have testified before these committees, sharing their personal stories and struggles to afford insulin. Guided by their voices, we must continue moving urgently to pass Alec’s Bill. Schedules are fluid at the Minnesota Legislature, but we expect to pass this bill in the House as early as next week. I’ll be sure to update you on any changes.

Sincerely,

 

Michael Howard