I hope you’ve had a wonderful fall so far, and that if you’re a student or a
parent, the school year is off to a great start.
Our work at the Capitol continues. With reproductive rights under attack across
the country, my colleagues and I announced a new Reproductive Freedom Caucus
last month to promote and protect the reproductive rights of all Minnesotans. I
am a proud founding member of this caucus and look forward to continuing this
important and necessary work. You can watch the press conference announcing
this new caucus here:
Special Session Update
It remains to be seen if we will be called back for a special session this
fall. A key driver is continued disagreements on how the $250 million
additional aid will be allocated to frontline workers who have been sacrificing
their health and safety since the onset of the COVID-19. Senate Republicans
would prefer to limit the scope of recipients to health care workers and first
responders only, leaving out thousands of others who kept us all going
throughout the toughest parts of the pandemic, like the grocery store workers
for example.
Governor Walz has also requested that Senate Republicans attest they will not
use the special session as an opportunity to play politics and fire Minnesota
Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm. He has not received that confirmation from
Senate leaders. Commissioner Malcom has been a steady and reliable leader since
the onset of the pandemic and her work is critical to our state recovery from
COVID-19. I’ll keep you posted on any special session developments.
Rebuilding Lake Street Efforts
Last week, the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
announced the partners for the first round of the Main Street Economic
Revitalization Program. This new $80 million statewide economic redevelopment
program we passed in the legislature, distributed through two rounds of
applications, will award grants to partner organizations to establish programs
within specific communities that will, in turn, fund economic development and
redevelopment projects. The first round of grants will award up to $39,850,000
to organizations across Minnesota. I’m pleased to share the Minneapolis
Foundation is a recipient and will be awarded $20,800,000.
The Minneapolis Foundation is a community foundation supporting efforts to
address the greatest civic, social and economic needs of Minneapolis and
surrounding communities through grantmaking, research, advocacy and donor
services. Their project will include partnering with Propel Nonprofits and LISC
Twin Cities to provide grants and loans to businesses impacted by the social
unrest of Summer 2020 including the Lake Street corridor, the 38th street
corridor and West Broadway in North Minneapolis.
Minnesota Values Project
As we look back on the past 18 months, we can see how the pandemic has
exacerbated disparities among our families and workers. My colleagues and I are
seeking input from Minnesotans on how we can build on the values that unite us
to take action so everyone has the opportunity to thrive. It’s important for
our South Minneapolis community’s voices to be heard. Please take a moment to
fill out this short, 4-question survey
(https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MinnesotaValuesProject2021) to contribute to
the Minnesota Values Project. Thank you for your participation!
You are also encouraged to participate in our local democracy by voting in the
Minneapolis citywide elections this November. Now more than ever, we need
strong leadership in our city and it’s critical we have our voices at the
table. You can make sure you’re registered to vote at Voter Information Portal
(state.mn.us) and can find your polling location here:
https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/
Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness Town Hall
On Wednesday, October 20th, you’re invited to join local legislators and
Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness for a virtual town hall meeting for
residents of Minneapolis.
I’ll be presenting with my colleagues our work at the Capitol to pass a Prove
It First law and answer questions from the audience. This is a great
opportunity to connect personally with elected officials and learn more about
the fight for clean water!
Virtual Clean Water Town Hall: Minneapolis
Wednesday, October 20
7-8pm
Register at https://tinyurl.com/2dyfrmn2
Liquor Bills This Month
Next Wednesday, October 27, the House Commerce Committee is holding an
informational hearing on approximately 20 bills related to liquor sales, taxes,
licensing, and distribution. I’ll be presenting my bill to the committee
allowing producers to provide liquor to nonprofit organizations for tasting
events. You can watch the committee live next week here.
Keep in Touch
Please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime with questions or if you need
assistance. You can reach me at 651-296-0173 or at <email obscured>.
It’s an honor to represent our South Minneapolis neighbors at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Jim Davnie
State Representative