Legislative Update- April 1, 2022

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well and you’re enjoying the fresh, crisp air with this start to April.

As the chair of the House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee, I’ve been using this month to begin crafting our legislative package of investments in our college students and institutions. The large “omnibus” bill is comprised of various bills we’ve heard in committee. These components have been carefully vetted and discussed amongst students, faculty, legislators, stakeholders, and interested members of the public. We’ll be wrapping up the final bill and presenting it to the public on Monday.

It's been a busy week filled with committee hearings and bill presentations as the Legislature works toward advancing legislation that meets today’s second major deadline.

Here’s an update from the Capitol:

Building Inclusive Play Space in Fridley
 

Every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy community parks and outdoor spaces, which is why I'm authoring legislation to fund the construction of an inclusive and accessible playground in Fridley's Commons Park. This was my 6th bill presentation in the past week and a half.

The design of the playground would include both active and quiet spaces, available auditory and sensory activities, activities of various challenge levels, and both cooperative and independent play opportunities. This exciting project is supported by Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, Multicultural Autism Action Network, The Arc Minnesota, The Autism Society of Minnesota, Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, and Minnesota Autistic Alliance.

I was grateful to have Fridley Mayor Scott Lund and Fridley Community Services Director Mike Maher testify support of the bill. It’s now being considered for inclusion to a future Capital Investment bill.

Supporting Workers
 

This week the House passed several bills to support workers. This included legislation ratifying the 2020-21 public employee labor contracts, and legislation to protect and empower Minnesota’s warehouse workers and to address practices that have led to high injury rates at Amazon facilities.

We also approved legislation to require Minnesota employers to provide workers Earned Sick and Safe Time. The legislation would ensure, at a minimum, one hour of paid time for every 30 hours worked, up to at least 48 hours per year and can be used to attend to physical and mental health needs – including illness, injury, or a doctor’s appointment – for workers and their family members. Nearly 900,000 Minnesota workers, including two-thirds of workers in the lowest wage positions, lack access to paid time off.

At a time of sickness, injury or emergency, everyone should be able to take care of themselves or a family member. The pandemic demonstrated the urgent need for this proposal and it’s time this important measure becomes law.

Second COVID-19 Booster has been Approved

This week, the FDA authorized a second booster shot for Americans over 50 and for those 12 years and older who are immunocompromised. Following the FDA’s announcement, the CDC expanded eligibility for an additional booster dose for certain higher risk individuals. Second boosters for all Americans will be evaluated. You can read more from the U of M Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) here.

Considering dropping COVID-19 numbers and fewer positive tests and serious illnesses, Minnesota is changing its testing strategy, gradually moving away from saliva tests toward rapid at-home tests. Minnesota households are now eligible to receive two test kits (for a total of four tests) per home through the mail at mn.gov/covid19. Minnesota has secured 500,000 test kits (for a total of 1 million at-home tests) and the program will be available until all the test kits are ordered. You can also order free rapid at-home tests at CovidTests.gov.

Getting a test is still recommended if you have symptoms, have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, after traveling, or if you’ve attended a high-risk event

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn or 651-296-5510. I appreciate your input and questions and love hearing from you.

Thank you for the honor of representing our communities’ values at the State Capitol.

Warmly,

Connie Bernardy
State Representative