I have been working hard in the House to make sure that Shakopee’s interests are well represented at the Capitol. While COVID-19 has certainly taken up a considerable amount of energy, I’ve managed to deliver some real success for our community. Here are two bills that will help our local economy that were recently passed by the House.
House Passes Canterbury Park Bill
HF 4597, authored by Rep. Tabke, allows horse racing facilities to use funds for capital improvements and operation expenses, as well as increasing flexibility for when a licensee may operate during extraordinary circumstances. This is a critical initiative to help Canterbury Park continue operations during the COVID-19 crisis. By granting racing facilities more flexibility in where they use their funds and letting the commission act with more leniency during this crisis, we will give these important aspects of our economy some breathing room to get by.
House Passes Valleyfair Bill
Yesterday, Rep. Tabke’s bill, HF3720, which provides flexibility to businesses like ValleyFair by lowering the minimum age required to operate amusement rides safely, was passed off of the House Floor. The bill was also amended to allow Minnesotans who are at least 16 years of age to operate certain types of lawn care equipment.This bill is the result of a strong bipartisan effort working to find ways to help our local businesses across the state.
Changes to Stay at Home Coming
On Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz announced that Sunday is the final day of the Stay at Home Order in Minnesota as we pivot to #StaySafeMN. While we will be getting a lot of social access back, everyone should keep in mind that the virus is not gone. If we don’t collectively follow social distancing guidelines and do what we can to slow the spread of the virus, it will rear its ugly head and cause more deaths and the reinstatement of more strict orders.
Here's what’s next:
- Retail, Malls, and Main Street businesses open May 18 at 50% capacity
- Stay at Home Order ends
- Gather with friends and families in groups of 10 or less
- Maintain social distancing
- Wear a mask in public
- Get tested immediately if you get sick
- Restaurants, bars, salons, and barbershops planned to re-open on June 1
Learn more here --> https://mn.gov/governor/covid-19/news/#/detail/appId/1/id/431924
Other Information
- It is Mental Health Awareness Month. There are many in our community who struggle with various mental health issues; if you or someone you know needs help, please visit this website for resources in Scott County. Additionally, if you or a loved one you know is in a mental health crisis, please refer to these numbers for immediate help, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM call 952-496-8481 for crisis appointment during business hours. 4:30 PM to 8:00 AM call 952-818-3702 for Scott County Crisis Response mobile services. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day.
- Our Congresswoman, Angie Craig, announced that the most recent COVID-19 package incorporates her All Dependent Children Count Act. The provision will allow working families to get the rebates they deserve for all of their dependents. Under the new bill, families with dependents under 26 will receive $500, retroactive to the date of the enactment of the CARES Act, which did not include COVID-19 relief for dependents 17 and older. You can read Congresswoman Craig’s statement here.
- Today is Peace Officer Memorial Day and we pay tribute to all those who have given great sacrifice to keep our communities safe and secure. Thank you to all those who have lived to protect and serve!
Brad Tabke, State Representative | Rep.Brad.Tabke@house.mn
Eric Petersen, Legislative Assistant | Eric.Petersen@house.mn