The last few weeks have been a challenging time for our nation, our state, and our communities. As we continue to handle the effects of COVID-19 and carefully consider law enforcement reform, there is much work to be done and I wanted to provide an update on a couple of our efforts.

Cares Act Funding for Local Governments

Today we passed legislation to fairly distribute federal COVID-19 aid to our local governments based on their population. Minnesota received more than $2 billion from the federal government to help health professionals, local governments, and businesses fight COVID.

Local governments in every area of the state put in huge resources and energy preparing for COVID, and we wanted to ensure everyone was treated fairly in receiving this much needed aid.

The distribution of funds for Senate District 30 are as follows:

               Sherburne County $11,667,880
               Wright County $16,569,926

               Big Lake Township $596,017

Cities of
               Big Lake $863,098
               Elk River $1,875,294
               Otsego  $1,305,119
               Albertville $563,922
               St Michael $1,343,693
               Hanover $261,883
               Dayton $457,466

Day Training and Habilitation Service Providers

I have heard from many of you since March concerning the effect that COVID-19 has had on some of our community-based services, especially in regard to Options Inc. a Day Training and Habilitation program supporting adults with disabilities in living and working in the mainstream of our community.
My fellow legislators and I have been working hard on this for over six weeks in an effort to get relief to these programs but have been unable to get the support of Governor Walz.

While DHS has worked to allow alternative delivery of some of these services there is still much to be done. Service providers who are unable to open are dealing with significant financial shortfalls. We could see many temporary closures become permanent closures for providers across our state. This would be detrimental as these services offer emotional and social supports that greatly contribute to a high quality of life for Minnesotans with disabilities.

I have been informed that by a single phone call from Gov Walz or his designee would result in federal and state funding to help them stay open. Just. One. Phone.Call. Gov Walz needs to make time for this. Over 35 states have already made that call. No one was refused and CMS federal office stated they would approve any state who calls. No extra paperwork either. Just.One.Call.

I will continue to work with my fellow legislatures in a bipartisan fashion to get these programs the support they need. You can listen to my comments on this subject in yesterday’s Session here.

Age-Friendly Minnesota Survey

The Governor’s Council for an Age-Friendly Minnesota and AARP Minnesota are conducting a survey to gather ideas on making our great state more age-friendly. I would like to encourage everyone who is 45 years and older to offer their input so we can make sure all parts of Minnesota are represented.

You can find out more and participate on the Age-Friendly Minnesota Website.

As always if you have any questions or comments do not hesitate to contact my office at sen.mary.kiffmeyer@senate.mn or 651-296-5655.

Mary