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Neighbors,
The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for many Minnesotans, especially working families and small businesses. Minnesota’s economic budget forecast, released Tuesday, indicates that our state is well-positioned to provide more economic aid to those impacted. You can read more about the forecast by going to the Minnesota Management and Budget web page here.
Last spring, corporations, billionaires, and well-connected individuals received a lopsided share of the economic assistance the federal government approved. In Minnesota, we have been and are determined to support those who have been hit hardest by the pandemic.
House DFLers are committed to put first the needs of working families, small businesses, and Minnesotans whose livelihoods were harmed by COVID-19. We recently announced a new economic relief package to keep small businesses afloat, support workers struggling to get by, and help Minnesota families put food on their tables. I look forward to working with Governor Walz and my colleagues to deliver this much-needed assistance. As we await more aid from the federal government, I will continue working with you to curb the spread of the virus and support those who are struggling to make ends meet.
Committee Chairmanship
This week, Speaker Melissa Hortman announced my appointment as chair of the House Workforce and Business Development Finance & Policy Committee. I’m excited to get to work as Minnesota begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read my news release here.
Additionally, seven of the 30 committees will be led by members of the Minnesota People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) caucus, a major step forward in leadership reflecting Minnesota’s diverse population.
Renewed push for high rise sprinklers
Last week we observed the one-year anniversary of the fatal Cedar High apartment fire. In the 2021 session, I will renew my call to retrofit high rise buildings with sprinklers. We know sprinklers will save lives and I am hopeful our efforts will result in action.
Bringing refugee and immigrant advocates and state leaders together
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is bringing immigrant and refugee advocates and state leaders together to network and collaborate. More details here.
DEED is also available to help if your job has been impacted by COVID-19. They can help with unemployment insurance, career exploration and job training assistance. Visit their website at CareerForceMN.com.
10th Avenue bridge project
Rehab on the 10th Ave. bridge continues. If you’d like to learn more about the project and timelines, click here.
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