Friends and neighbors,
Re-Opening Businesses
Recognizing that our small businesses, especially restaurants, bars and gyms have had a horrific time the past year with shutdowns and the ever-changing COVID- 19 guidelines, the Minnesota Senate heard SF 1 last week. SF 1 would allow businesses to reopen if public and public safety plans are in place. It is amazing that the governor expresses so little trust in the people of Minnesota Businesses and feels the need to micromanage them to the nth degree, day after day. Employers do not do business if they do not take care of customers and employees.
A shocking revelation came this last week as Minnesotans started contacting us about skewed contact tracing questions. We learned that Governor Walz, when doing contract tracing when there was a reported case, had revised the questions “where have you been?” The question was changed to “have you been to a restaurant, bar or gym,” not have you been to a big box store or grocery store. Their results will be skewed toward an outcome and make the results worse than they are. Real science, real honest contract tracing, would not do that.
Advocating for Law Enforcement
In Senate District 30, we so value our law enforcement and the incredible public service they provide. As one of my sheriff’s said “we help each other out all the time and there is typically no reimbursement, we do it because there is a need and it is the right thing to do.” Meanwhile, Minneapolis is defunding their police and making their lives more and more difficult. SF 1354 would ensure that law enforcement departments that provide mutual aid in extraordinary emergencies and unforeseen circumstances would be compensated. The Derek Chauvin trial is rapidly approaching, there will be needs for additional assistance in Minneapolis. The legislature understands the concerns of law enforcement and wants to make sure the bills that are incurred by other cities lending aid to Minneapolis are paid for.
Base Electric Power
As we realize with the recent situations in California with excessive heat power loss and Texas with excessive cold power loss, we recognize that base power like from nuclear energy is always needed but especially in dire situations. We realize people’s lives are at stake when we do not have a dependable source of base power energy.
My bill, SF 301, would help enable small municipal cooperatives to appeal to the commissioner to adjust the goals for conservation investment programs (CIP). The goals put in place 10 years ago work for the big companies but are burdensome for small local ones. SF 301 is a balanced bill that helps small companies and save money on your utility bill and keep more money in your checkbook.
I will continue working for the people of Senate District 30 every day. I am always available to talk and encourage you to reach out to my office with your questions, comments, and concerns. My phone number is 651-295-5655 or you can email me at Sen.Mary.Kiffmeyer@senate.mn
Sincerely,
Mary