July 13, 2020

 

Dear Community,

 

Welcome to the opening day of the 2nd Special Session of the Minnesota Legislature. As we begin another Special Session, I write to you today to briefly share an overview of the work of the Legislature thus far in 2020 and ask for your ongoing engagement in the legislative process.

 

As we know, the fundamental goal of our democratic government is to ensure that the needs and challenges facing Americans are heard and addressed in an effective, equitable manner. Within this broader framework, as an independent agency of the state government of Minnesota, the Council [on Asian Pacific Minnesotans] is tasked with the statutory duty to serve as the bridge connecting our communities with state government and the advocate on behalf of these communities. A key component of this work is our advocacy with the Legislature and the Governor.

 

The Legislature is the body of state government that is closest to the people, and that is tasked with crafting legislation to meet the needs of the people. This year has posed legislative challenges unlike any in recent memory, most significantly responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, calls for police reform, and rebuilding communities after unrest in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The need for social distancing and remote work have introduced new hurdles to connecting with legislators and facilitating community engagement in the legislative process. Despite this, the work of the legislature has continued, and several major bills were signed into law this year. We know that the health and economic challenges of COVID-19 have fallen disproportionately on Asian Pacific Minnesotans. These facts make careful consideration of the legislative response, and how that response supports our community, even more important.

 

 

In the regular 2020 Session, major bills included more than $550 million in COVID-19 response funds, including support for businesses and the expansion of Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, emergency insulin availability, banning trichloroethylene (TCE), and prohibition of child marriage.

 

Then, the Legislature returned for a Special Session from June 12-19. Although much work remained on the table, several important efforts moved forward. Most notable among these actions was the passage and implementation of the Small Business Relief Grant Program, which will provide more than $60 million in grants to businesses impacted by COVID-19, including the smallest businesses, minority-owned businesses, and cultural malls.

 

The Legislature returned today, on July 13, with work remaining on bonding, police reform, and addressing damages from the unrest that followed George Floyd’s death.

 

 

As we look ahead to this 2nd Special Session, and to the 2021 Legislative Session, our Council remains as committed as ever to ensuring the needs of our communities are addressed by state government. However, we must continue to take on this work together. You, as community members, serve a critical role in this effort. As we heard repeatedly from committee chairs during our recent 2020 Legislative Session Recap panel discussion series, legislators, including committee chairs, look to the community for feedback and input to help craft legislative responses to existing challenges in our state.

 

In the next few weeks, the Council will soon be launching its 2021 Legislative Priorities Survey. As a budget year, the 2021 Session will be crucial for addressing the needs of the community through 2022. Additionally, an expected state budget deficit will make competition for resources even more challenging. Thus, early input from you as community members will be more critical than ever. We look forward to strengthening our relationships with all of you so that together, we continue our work to ensure the voices of Asian Pacific Minnesotans are heard and acted upon, now and in the future.

 

Kind regards,

 

Sia Her

 

Executive Director

651-757-1741

 

Mission: "The Council works toward economic, social, legal, and political equality for Minnesotans of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) heritage."

 

658 Cedar Street Suite 160

Saint Paul, MN 55155 

651-757-1740

 

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: