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| Hello Neighbor, Another busy week winds to an end with some budget forecast news that is a testament to the hardworking taxpayers of Minnesota. As we look ahead in this budget year, I remain committed to common sense solutions that will keep our state moving forward toward fulfilling our Minnesota Priorities. In Committee This week I presented several bills including S.F. 1044 (Secondary students unemployment eligibility modification). The COVID-19 pandemic really brought to light the need for a change in this Minnesota law that originated in 1939. Under current law, high school students who are still in school, are not eligible to qualify for unemployment benefits. My bill seeks to change the law to allow those who would qualify for unemployment by all other standards, to not be discriminated against based on their age and the fact that they are still in school. Click my photo to hear more. On the Senate Floor S.F. 1 Passes – Allowing Minnesota businesses to reopen On Thursday, the Minnesota Senate successfully passed bipartisan legislation to allow businesses to be open with no state-imposed limitation so long as the business owner maintains their own COVID safety preparedness plan. This will allow Minnesota businesses to open their doors at their own pace while providing all the safety possible for employees and customers. This pandemic has been rough on Minnesota, and the economic burden has been felt around the state, and particularly by our small businesses. These people are our friends and neighbors that have put their life savings into their businesses, which as a result of the pandemic and lockdowns, are now at the risk of never recovering. Rather than continue with this one size fits all approach that has zero flexibility, we must rethink how we treat our businesses and look to make them our partners to emerge from this crisis.  S.F. 1 allows businesses to be open with their own precautions in place. Instead of limitations set for the entire state by the Governor, this bill will give the power back to the people to decide what measures they need in their business. It would prohibit a Governor from closing businesses by Executive Order under Chapter 12.21 or 12.31 unless there is a majority vote of the legislature. It would also require a notice of 14 days after a vote before taking effect, giving businesses ample time to prepare for the shutdown.  View the release and videos online Supporting Minnesota Families Delivering new veterans homes for Minnesota’s at-risk veterans The Veterans and Military Affairs Finance Committee have several large priorities this year: tackling veteran homelessness, suicides, and pressuring the federal government to complete our three new veterans homes in Minnesota. These new veteran homes are great for Minnesota, and we’ve done our part to make sure they’re prepared to open and house as many veterans as possible. Senate Republicans will help as much as we can, but we need to put pressure on the federal government to uphold their end of the bargain. Click here to learn more from Sen. Lang. Stay in touch I’d like to remind residents that I am always available to answer your questions or concerns. Please email me anytime at sen.jason.rarick@senate.mn or call my office in St. Paul at 651-296-1508. Thank you for giving me the privilege of serving you in the Minnesota Senate! Like me on Facebook! Follow me on Twitter! |
