Legislative Update- March 25, 2022

Today, the House Transportation Committee discussed a pair of bills I’m chief authoring to enhance transportation safety for Minnesota’s most vulnerable users – people who bike, walk, roll, and work on our roadways.

I’d like to extend a thank you to Ms. McGuire of Saint Anthony Village for sharing her story about not being able to safely bike to destinations such as work and moving about safely throughout the community. Minnesotans deserve a multi modal transportation system that works for everyone, no exceptions. You can read more details about these bills I’m committed to passing for our communities, here.

Championing Affordable Housing Investments 

Fridley’s aging housing stock needs serious rehab; it’s a challenge beyond the means of many of our residents. This week, I presented legislation to the House Property Tax Division that would expand housing grant and loan programs in Fridley to help our neighbors struggling with aging and deteriorating homes. You can read more about my proposal here.

Standing with Ukraine

As I mentioned in a previous update, the Minnesota Legislature fast-tracked a bill to impose sanctions on the Russian and Belarusian governments for their invasion of Ukraine. Yesterday, we were able to unanimously pass the bill off the House floor. You can read my statement of support here.

Investing in ALS Research and Caregiver Support

Last night on the House Floor we came together in a broad, bipartisan fashion to pass legislation with $25 million worth of investments in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research and caregiver support. My Senate colleague and Higher Education counterpart David Tomassoni were diagnosed with ALS last year. No matter the impact the disease has had on him physically, he’s remained committed to being a champion for solutions getting us closer to a cure. As the House Higher Education Finance and Policy Chair, it was an honor to help shepherd the bill through the legislative process ahead of the full House vote. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have worked closely with Senator Tomassoni.

This important bill could reach the Governor’s desk as soon as next week.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn or 651-296-5510 with questions or input. I appreciate hearing from you!

Have a great weekend,

Connie Bernardy
State Representative