April 3, 2020
State of the State Being Delivered on Sunday
Sunday will be a big historic moment, as Governor Walz issues his State of the State address. It will be only the second time it has been delivered from the residence, as it is typically delivered from the Capitol with all of the legislature in attendance. You will be able to watch the speech online by clicking HERE.
Treating Everyone With Respect
As I mentioned last week, it is important that we all treat each other with respect during this difficult time. Our Asian American neighbors are feeling an increase in stigma and intolerance right now, and type of behavior will not keep us safer. It’s important to take a deep breath and remember that we are all doing our best.
Get Counted and Fill Out Your Census Survey
From Article One Section Two of the US Constitution:
“Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct.”
April 1 was Census Day across the country, and I am profoundly grateful that we live in a country where everyone is now counted equally.
The Census will determine how legislative and congressional districts are drawn, and how government money is allocated. We are also fighting to maintain a congressional seat, so make sure you get counted! You can find more info on completing your Census survey by clicking HERE.
Thank You
Thank you to all of the critical workers keeping us safe and getting us through this crisis. From healthcare to public safety, from educators to child care workers, and from grocery store workers to gas station attendants, I want to thank you for the work you are doing. The Senate DFL put together a short video on this, which you can watch by clicking HERE.
Getting My Steps In
To focus on staying positive, I spent some time this week taking a walk in three of my favorite parks in SD 48.
It was lovely to see so many individuals out walking this past week (while maintaining social distancing).
The ‘Stay Home’ Order still encourages people to go out and exercise. Going for walks helps your body release endorphins and helps you stay positive!
Senate Media Figure Appears on Almanac
For those of you who watch Almanac on PBS every Friday, you may remember last week that MN Senate reporter and host of Capitol Report, Shannon Loerke, was featured on the show. I have had a few interviews with her, and am incredibly impressed by the work she does. You can check out the segment by clicking HEREand going to the 38-minute mark.
Helping Our Neighbors Fight Addiction
If you know someone who has struggled with addiction in the past, this covid-related isolation can be incredibly hard on them. Give your friend a phone call, or schedule a video chat. It might just save their life. You can view a recent Star Tribune article on this subject by clicking HERE.