Legislative Update from Rep. Bianca Virnig

Neighbors,  

Long nights on the Floor continue as we debate policy and budget packages to improve the lives of Minnesotans.  

This week, we passed the conference committee report on the Elections package. The bill includes provisions increasing local government funding to support election administration and infrastructure and improving clarity on local election spending and builds upon last year’s historic progress in election security and safety. Minnesotans deserve to know their elections are safe and secure. By increasing both physical and cyber security of our local elections, Minnesotans can have confidence in their polling places. This package will also provide some needed clarity on who is spending to influence local elections. Local elections have some of the biggest direct impacts on our communities, and those offices should not be excluded from financial responsibility and accountability when it comes to campaign spending. 

In addition to serving on the conference committee, I was proud to have authored several provisions in the package, including increasing flexibility for school boards filling vacancies in the event of an elected member not completing their term. My bill to allow access to apartment buildings for census business also passed as part of the package! 

We must adjourn no later than Monday, May 20th, and we have a lot of work to do between now and then. I’m excited to get to share all of our work with you once we wrap up! 

Gun Violence Prevention

Over the past few weeks, we passed a slate of bills that will reduce gun violence in Minnesota and save lives. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children in the United States and it's time we take action to make Minnesota a safer place to live. Our bills require the safe storage of firearms, require the report of missing firearms, crack down on straw purchasing, and ban binary triggers. I’m proud to have voted for each one of these critical bills that will save lives. 

Interview with Almanac

I recently sat down with the folks at Almanac to talk about my very first legislative session! You can watch the interview below.  

WATCH ALMANAC

MDVA Hosting Commemoration of 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting three days of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Vietnam-era veterans and their families, allies, and anyone wishing to thank our veterans can see historical displays, view Vietnam War documentaries, walk through the resource fair, and more. Learn more about the commemoration event here. 

Slow Mow Summer

You’ve probably heard of “No Mow May” and may have even participated in making your lawn more pollinator-friendly! While it’s a catchy slogan, researchers from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab have modified the popular campaign due to additional research on best practices for pollinators and lawn health. 

“Slow Mow Summer” takes the sentiment of “No Mow May” and expands it to the entire growing season! Because guess what? Bees need food AFTER May, too. Many bee species do not even emerge from hibernation until June or July, when self-heal, ground plum, lanceleaf tickweed, or calico American aster may be blooming in your lawn.  

Mowing after lawn flowers bloom instead of before is the main goal of “Slow Mow Summer.” You can learn more about how best to help native pollinators, like Rusty Patched Bumblebee, survive and thrive here! 

Community Naloxone Training

Dakota County is hosting a community training event on proper use of Naloxone. You can register for this free training below. Anyone in Dakota County who is interested in learning how to use naloxone to save a life is encouraged to attend.   

REGISTER

Stay Connected

Unfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account.   

To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out by email at  rep.bianca.virnig@house.mn.gov, or by phone at 651-296-4192. You can contact my new Legislative Assistant, Sam, at 651-296-3305 or via email at samuel.oneill@house.mn.gov. 

It is an honor and a privilege to represent you at the Capitol.   

All my best, 

Bianca Virnig State Representative