Dear Neighbors,

On the House Floor, we’re working through a wide variety of issues areas to assemble a new two-year state budget. We’re working to deliver investments in Minnesotans that ensure they can emerge from the challenges of the past year and once again succeed and thrive.

Duluth News Tribune Op-Ed

This week, the Duluth News Tribune published this op-ed where I summarize the current status of the legislative session. As we move forward with a state budget, it’s important to recognize that the pandemic hasn’t affected everyone equally. The House DFL has put forth a state budget that will help our state work for everyone, no matter where they live or what they look like. We’re investing in classrooms so students can catch up on summer learning, advancing key economic security measures like Earned Sick and Safe Time and Paid Family and Medical Leave, and other key support for the families, workers, and small businesses who have been impacted the worst by COVID-19.

Police Accountability

Last Sunday, Daunte Wright lost his life when he was senselessly shot by a Brooklyn Center police officer. No matter any other circumstances, his life mattered and he should still be with us. Our public safety in Minnesota should guarantee the human rights of dignity and respect.

After the killing of George Floyd last summer, lawmakers came together to enact some overdue police accountability measures including changes to use of force deadly force standards, a ban on “warrior training” and choke holds, requiring the duty to intercede, investigation and arbitration reform, and expanded training. But it’s clear we have more to do.

Our House DFL Public Safety budget takes a comprehensive approach with new funding – including for body-worn cameras, reforms to training, and updates to policy manuals. It also delivers additional accountability building off last year’s reforms. More details are available here from Session Daily. All Minnesotans deserve safe communities and a fair justice system, and this legislation gets us closer to realizing this vision.

Please listen to a brand-new episode of the Minnesota Values Podcast with Rep. Samantha Vang – who represents Brooklyn Center and chairs the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus, and Rep. Cedrick Frazier, the Vice Chair of the House Public Safety & Criminal Justice Reform Committee. We discuss the Daunte Wright tragedy and discuss new police reform and accountability legislation. You can download it wherever you find podcasts.

COVID-19 Update

While we continue to make good progress in overcoming COVID-19, unfortunately our fight isn’t over yet. Case numbers are ticking upward as are hospitalizations. We all need to continue being cautious and while we all are hungry for normalcy, it’s important to continue wearing a mask around others, practicing social distancing, and getting a test if we feel any symptoms.

The good news is that over three million doses of the vaccine have now been administered to Minnesotans and about half of all Minnesotans 16 years old or older have received at least one dose. Please get vaccinated when you have the opportunity; this is our best opportunity to put this awful chapter behind us. Sign up for the state’s Vaccine Connector and reach out to your own health care provider about appointment opportunities.

Please reach out to me with your input, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

Liz Olson
State Representative