Legislative Update - January 24, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

One issue that I know weighs heavy on everyone’s heart is the condition of Highway 14, and the most recent tragic loss of life on that stretch of road. Each of the families, friends, and classmates need time to process this grave loss. Thank you to the Saint Peter School counselors for helping with counseling services at Nicollet Public School yesterday and today, and thank you to the first responders for answering the emergency calls. In particular the Nicollet Fire Department, Courtland Fire & Rescue, Nicollet County Sheriff's Department and the State Patrol.

Lastly, a sincere and collective sorrow has fallen upon our local communities. This is a somber reminder that our weather is unpredictable, that in this age of distractions we must drive defensively, and that even with 4x4 there is no better precaution than to slow down. I remain vigilant in my efforts to fix Highway 14, and am deeply saddened by this recent loss of life in Nicollet County. I am committed to working with Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Transportation to deliver the urgently-needed resources to address this issue.

MVP Community Conversation

We’re less than three weeks away from the 2020 Legislative Session, and before we head back to our work in the Minnesota Legislature, I hope you’ll be able to join us for our Community Conversation event this Saturday.

I’ll be joined by Rep. Jack Considine and Sen. Nick Frentz as we discuss the work ahead of us, and the values and goals of our community. This event is put on through the Minnesota Values Project (MVP), which is an ongoing partnership between Minnesotans and the Legislature. We’re working together to create a shared vision for the future of our state, and your input is an important part of this process. You can learn more about MVP here.  

2020 Census

In March and April of this year, the U.S. Census Bureau will be sending information to every home in the country on how to be properly counted in the 2020 Census. The Census provides critical data that directly impacts our community’s representation and support, with billions of dollars in federal funding going to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. It’s important that you and your household are accurately counted. You can click here to download a fact sheet with more information, or here to watch a short video.

Additionally, the U.S. Census Bureau needs to fill thousands of temporary positions to conduct the census, including in our community. These positions are crucial to an effective census, and provide flexible hours as well as competitive wages. You can find more information on census jobs here.

Minnesota Presidential Primary

The year, Minnesota’s presidential nomination process has some significant changes, the biggest being that voters will have the ability to participate in a primary, separate from party caucuses. Minnesota’s Presidential Primary will take place on March 3, but early absentee voting has already begun! Here are some common FAQs on the presidential primary:

• When will the presidential nomination primary take place?
  • March 3, 2020 (Super Tuesday) with early voting possible now.
• Will all parties be on the same ballot?
  • No, each major party will have a separate ballot.
• Will there be a place to write in a choice or vote for “uncommitted”?
  • If it is requested by the party chair. Party chairs will need to submit names of write-in candidates to be counted seven days before the primary.
• Will any other offices be on the ballot?
  • No, only presidential candidates from a major party will appear on the presidential primary ballot. Other offices with a primary will be on the primary ballot in August.

• Will parties have to abide by the primary results?
  • The presidential primary results must bind the election of delegates in each party.
• Will there still be precinct caucuses?
  • Yes, precinct caucuses and local and state nominating conventions will still take place to conduct other party business.

If you have any questions about Minnesota’s presidential primary, or voting in general, I highly encourage you to contact the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State at mnvotes.org or 1-877-600-VOTE to make sure your voice is heard.

Stay In Touch

Regardless of whether you’re able to join us for our community conversation this weekend, I want to hear from you. As I prepare to head back to Saint Paul for the 2020 Legislative Session, your input is extremely important in all that I do. Please feel free to reach out to me at (651) 296-8634, or at rep.jeff.brand@house.mn with all of your questions and comments.

Your partner in Saint Paul,

Jeff Brand
State Representative, District 19A