Legislative Update- May 21, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

The Legislature adjourned late Sunday night.

I’d like to thank everyone in our Lake Minnetonka communities -- all of you -- for your input and ideas over the past two sessions. Hearing from you helps shape my work at the Capitol for all of us in District 33B. 

I’m grateful for the bipartisan spirit that brought us together to deliver emergency relief for Minnesotans amid a global pandemic. But there is more we need to do to help our communities respond to and recover from the virus. House Speaker Hortman has created a Select Committee on Minnesota’s Pandemic Response and Rebuilding so we can continue working together on the state’s response to the COVID19 pandemic and can assess policy changes needed moving forward.

2020 Session Recap

This session, the House and Senate delivered funding for public health, resources for health care workers, aid for child care, housing and food security, small business assistance and more. We also approved an emergency package of legislation providing flexibility and resources in a variety of areas during the crisis, including approval of remote applications for wills and marriage licenses, expanded telemedicine, remote local government meetings, and alternative health care facilities. Frontline responders who contract the virus while on the job will now be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, due to bipartisan consensus. 

Governor Walz also signed other important measures into law including the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act, my Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, Tobacco 21 legislation to prevent youth smoking, and a bipartisan bill to protect the safety and security of elections.

I’m also pleased to share that in the final hours of session, my bill that updates and streamlines the prior authorization process passed the House with significant bipartisan support. 

What’s Next?

Unfortunately, the jobs and local projects or “bonding” plan, did not make it across the finish line. Minnesota needs investments in critical infrastructure improvements to help us make it through this crisis and thrive after it. These include desperately needed fixes to outdated wastewater treatment facilities to ensure clean water, repairs to crumbling bridges and leaky roofs, and much more. Should we return for a June special session, I hope we can recover much-needed bipartisan spirit to find a compromise on a jobs and local projects bill. 

I remain committed to enacting practical, but important solutions to protect Minnesotans’ health, wellbeing and economic security moving forward.

Save the Date! 

Next Saturday, May 30, I’ll be participating in a virtual “Health, Wellness, and Democracy” panel discussion with fellow West Metro legislators, including our U.S. Representative Dean Phillips. You’re invited to tune in on my Facebook page, where the event will be live streamed. If you’re interested in receiving a recording of the event, please let me know and I’m happy to make sure you get a copy.

Keep in Touch

Please contact me with questions, ideas, and input anytime at rep.kelly.morrison@house.mn. It’s an honor to represent you and our communities at the Capitol.

Wishing you a relaxing and safe Memorial Day Weekend.

Sincerely,

Kelly