Dear Neighbors,
First and foremost, I want to say thank you to all who made Maple Grove Days such a success! While I may not have had the opportunity to speak with each of you one on one, once again with a grateful heart, I say thank you.
Update from the Minnesota House:
The special session to wrap up a new two-year state budget has concluded. While working together in the only divided legislature in the nation, and the pandemic adding a variety of complications to our work, I’m pleased we reached a bipartisan compromise that will help workers, students, families, and small businesses across our state recover from the challenges we’ve faced over the past year. Here’s an update on our work from the State Capitol.
Investing in affordable, accessible health care
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how much our communities count on access to quality health care. As we look toward a post-pandemic future, the Legislature worked on a bipartisan level to address the challenges Minnesotans have faced over the last year and build a better health care system, including stronger local public health, expanded telehealth services, and investments to help people with disabilities to better live with dignity and independence. As I mentioned in my previous newsletter, my bill to improve new parent and baby outcomes by establishing home visits was included. I also contributed to this area of the budget with my legislation that removes a “gag order” on pharmacists, so they can inform patients of cheaper prescription medication options. Lowering costs and ensuring Minnesotans are in the driver’s seat when it comes to their health care decisions continues to be a top priority of mine, and our work is far from over in achieving more strategies to address the soaring costs of health care.
Building back stronger after COVID-19
The COVID-19 public health crisis created several challenges for our main street mom and pop shops and working families. The House and Senate worked together throughout the session to ensure all Minnesotans-workers, small business owners, students, and families- are able to weather this pandemic and thrive once it’s behind us. Our final budget includes tax cuts for workers who lost their jobs, delivers assistance to small businesses hit hardest by the pandemic, and expands access to affordable child care, which is especially important to our young families in Maple Grove and Osseo. We also made substantial bipartisan investments in high-speed broadband infrastructure. There’s more to do to build an economy that works for everyone, but this is a good start after an unprecedented year.
Public safety for all
The Public Safety and Judiciary Budget was a bipartisan compromise and aims to improve public safety for everyone across the state. I am grateful for the public service of our local law enforcement professionals in Maple Grove and Osseo who help preserve peace and help keep us safe while respecting our constitutional and human rights. Following the senseless, high-profile tragedies Minnesota has seen over the years, this area of the budget balances some accountability measures with increased funding for law enforcement, so our police officers can stay safe on the job as well.
It contains increased funding for Violent Crime Enforcement Teams, additional money for training, and salary increases for state troopers, DNR conservation officers, and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agents.
Among many other things, our Public Safety budget also funded the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, which will help firefighters diagnosed with cancer or heart disease, and education materials for firefighters on cancer, heart disease, and emotional trauma, including suicide prevention. More information on our Public Safety budget agreement isavailable here.
This newsletter only scratches the surface of the work we accomplished for Minnesotans at the Capitol this year. House Public Information Services has many resources with other information available here.
July is Hire a Veteran Month
More than 300,000 U.S. military veterans call Minnesota home and more than half of them are of working age. Unfortunately, veterans returning from recent military deployments face higher unemployment and more challenges entering the civilian workforce and advancing in their careers. To help raise awareness about the resources available for veterans and their spouses, July has been declared Hire a Veteran Month in Minnesota. An online career fair on Thursday, July 29 from 1-3 p.m. Minnesota employers interested in participating are invited to find out more and register. Current and former U.S. military members and their spouses are invited to register to participate.
It was an honor to receive a warm welcome from Post 172 Maple Grove/Osseo American Legion during my recent visit to give a legislative update from the Capitol. I had the opportunity to share information about the Veterans Restorative Justice Act, which allow veterans in the criminal justice system who suffer from PTSD to be met with compassion, setting a new standard to care for veterans across the country.
This legislation we passed is also supported by prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, counties & veterans advocates, and it saves taxpayers approximately $1 million a year while providing better outcomes for our veterans and their families. We respect the true sacrifice and service veterans have endured on our behalf and they deserve the resources they need to thrive as they navigate through the challenges they oftentimes face.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime with input, insights, or questions at rep.kristin.bahner@house.mn or 651-296-5502. Don’t hesitate to let me know how I can help or provide assistance.
It’s truly an honor to serve our Maple Grove and Osseo neighbors at the State Capitol- thank you for this privilege!
Take care,
State Representative Kristin Bahner
Common Sense – Common Ground – Common Good