The first special session of 2020 is now well underway and we have been hard at work trying to pass legislation you have all been calling for. On a lot of issues we still haven’t found the middle where the House and the Senate can come to an agreement. Some of the legislation that has made its way through House committees include several police reform bills, equity in education, and a couple laws that will help increase affordable housing and rebuild damaged residential areas.
House DFL PROMISE ACT
The House DFL has developed the PROMISE Act to provide immediate assistance in rebuilding our cities in an equitable and community-led manner. We need to take action now and support our communities before it is too late. You can watch our press conference on this legislation here. The legislation would:
- Create a special panel to review cases and provide direct compensation to impacted individuals.
- Partner with cities and community organizations to create economic relief programs for impacted businesses and organizations.
- Give local units of government flexibility and tools to prevent gentrification.
- Direct the Minnesota Department of Commerce to assist business owners, and require insurance companies to notify the department of any rejected claims.
- Help with the rising cost of leases for eligible residential and commercial properties.
- Eliminate the sales tax on the purchase of construction materials used to rebuild damaged or destroyed properties.
- Provide property and sales tax cuts for eligible properties.
- Establish a “Metropolitan Area Redevelopment Corporation” to create a long-term plan for equity-driven redevelopment and transformation.
Assistance for Small Business
The first bill we approved this special session will create a $62.5 million fund for small business grants. Businesses with 50 or fewer employees can receive grants up to $10,000 each. This is a massively important bill that will provide our local businesses with the assistance they need to continue on during these difficult times. Of the $62.5 million total, there are several carve-outs:
- $18 million for micro-businesses with six or fewer full-time employees,
- $10 million for minority-owned businesses,
- $2.5 million for women-owned businesses,
- $2.5 million for veteran-owned businesses, and
- $2.5 million for ethnic malls with at least 25 vendors (e.g. Hmong Village, Somali Karmel Mall). Individual grants can be up to $250,000 for each mall owner and must be used primarily for rent forgiveness for mall vendors.
Distance Learning Feedback
One of the biggest challenges families faced during the COVID-19 pandemic was the sudden shift to a distance learning model. In rapid fashion, educators’ entire approach changed nearly overnight to help ensure Minnesota students can still receive the education they deserve. The Minnesota Department of Education wants to hear from parents about their distance learning experience as they plan for the 2020-21 school year. Take this survey to share your experience.
Helpful Community Information
- Road Testing is now available in Plymouth. For all information about what you need to bring in order to be permitted to take the test, visit the DVS website here.
- The Shakopee Clean Up Day has been rescheduled for July 18. Here is everything you need to know about that event.
Brad Tabke, State Representative | Rep.Brad.Tabke@house.mn
Addie Miller, Legislative Assistant | adeline.miller@house.mn