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Revised Budget Forecast
On Tuesday this week, we received an updated budget forecast, showing a projected $2.4 billion deficit for Minnesota. Because we’ve exercised sound fiscal management in recent years, the $2.3 billion that’s been built in our budget reserves will help us manage the deficit. We can plan on additional incoming federal funding to help us further respond to COVID-19, however, moving forward, we’ll have to be cautious and intentional in how we choose to prioritize the values that merit continued investments.
House Passes COVID-19 Economic Security Package
Yesterday, my colleagues and I passed a package of COVID-19 economic security legislation. The bill includes measures for emergency housing assistance for renters, homeowners, and landlords, an overdue wage increase for personal care assistants, funding to expand broadband access, and small business loans. This 'meat and potatoes' package helps get to the heart of what Minnesotans expect and deserve in times of a global pandemic: a roof over our heads; economic security those who take care of the most vulnerable in our society; basic internet access; and support for our smallest businesses who haven’t been able to tap into federal relief funds. The funding for this package would come from the state’s $1.87 billion share of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act if available.
Securing Safe Elections
I’ve received several emails from community members asking about how they’ll be able to vote safely in our upcoming elections. I’m pleased to share we’ve passed bipartisan, comprehensive legislation that allows for the release of Help America Vote Act (HAVA) federal funds, which will be used to ensure the health and safety of election officials and in-person voters. The federal funds will also go toward preparation for increased absentee voting, new polling place locations, the purchase of sanitation and disinfectant supplies, and public outreach for implementing social distancing guidelines related to voting. HAVA funds will also be used to protect our election system from hackers and foreign interference. I am disappointed a mail-in voting measure was not included in this bill, however, I’ll continue advocating for it and other safe and secured strategies that encourage civic engagement.
Ensuring Pay for our Hourly School Workers
COVID-19 has changed so much for so many of us — including what it means to go to school and how we deliver an education. Our hourly frontline school employees — paraprofessionals, lunch staff, child care workers, bus drivers, and others — are still working around the clock to help our students in their distance learning endeavors. This week, I voted to protect their economic security by ensuring full pay for the hours they’re putting in and services they are still providing to our students and families.
Keep in Touch
We’re required by the state constitution to wrap up our work and adjourn session by May 18. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or input. I appreciate hearing all perspectives, so please feel free to contact me anytime at rep.robert.bierman@house.mn.
If you know of a family member, neighbor, or friend who might be interested in subscribing to my Capitol email updates, please let them know they can sign up here.
Thank you for the honor of representing our Apple Valley and Lakeville neighborhoods at the legislature.
My best wishes for a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend.
Sincerely,
Robert Bierman
State Representative
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