Legislative Update- March 4, 2022

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you well and you’ve had a good week. The pace is picking up as we continue to consider bills in committee and on the House Floor.

Here’s an update on our work at the Capitol:

New Budget Forecast

On Monday, the Minnesota Management and Budget Agency (MMB) announced a new economic forecast showing a $9.25 billion budget surplus for the current biennium. MMB cites “a higher income, consumer spending, and corporate profit forecast [have resulted] in an improved revenue projection while spending is slightly lower in E-12 education and Health and Human Services.” You can review MMB’s thorough presentation here. The analysis does not incorporate inflation or the various impacts the Russian military invasion of Ukraine may have on our state.

The strong budget forecast news today indicates our economy is heading the right direction. Even so, many Minnesotans are still struggling due to the challenges brought on by the pandemic. I’ll continue to advocate for investments that keep our state strong and build a brighter future for everyone in our communities. One measure I’m authoring would make Minnesota’s 4,000 voluntary Pre-K slots permanent. All of our youngest learners deserve the best possible start and ensuring this funding becomes permanent is one of the best investments we can make for our state.

Watch here

The CROWN Act Passes MN House 

The CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural hair) passed the Minnesota House with broad bipartisan support this week. The proposal would add a provision to the Minnesota Human Rights Act to explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of hair appearance and texture. There have been incidents in Minnesota where an employer has fired and/or taken action against Black workers for not changing their hair.

We can’t talk about diversity, racial equity and justice in the workplace without talking about discriminatory policies such as a dress code and appearance code, which also prevents black and brown people from accessing economic opportunities, in addition to its impact on their mental health. 

Civility Caucus

The Minnesota Legislature’s Civility Caucus – a bipartisan, bicameral group of which I'm a member – recently held our first event of the year at the University of Minnesota’s Our State, Our Future Conference. 

The Civility Caucus began in 2016 with the purpose of creating opportunities, supporting members to work across the aisle on policy, and getting to know one another. Members of the caucus meet monthly to find common ground and ultimately create better policies for all Minnesotans. 

Women’s History Month

March is women’s history month, and we have the most women ever serving in legislature – 51 of 134 current Representatives. Ten are women of color. We are making progress to build a Legislature which truly reflects the diversity of our state. I am grateful for the women before me who blazed trails to create a path of opportunity for me and my daughters.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn or 651-296-5510. I appreciate hearing your input and am happy to help with questions.

Thank you for the honor of representing you at the State Capitol.

Warmly,

Connie Bernardy
State Representative