6.2 ERMUSR 09-08-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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switching) but only after meeting tight standards. ECO to pay an electric customer’s unpaid bill. A subsequent -release of additional aid expressly provides that those ress ground to a halt in the Sente due to opposition from funds can be used for any unpaid utility bills for qual- ifying individuals and families. MMUA has additional member, Flint Hills Resources, primarily over the provi-information for interested communities, but the main sions of the bill authorizing fuel switching. The dramatic impact of COVID-19 also meant the end and then the council could give the approved funds to of MMUA’s efforts to gain an exemption for utilities the utility to pay the customer’s bill. from the state’s salary cap. There was simply no interest in authorizing higher salaries for some while so many were facing unemployment and wage cuts. Likewise, it did at the start of the First Special Session, the Senate was not the right time to push for changes to pay-equity voted to rescind the Governor’s peacetime emergency laws. MMUA remains committed to these issues and will declaration, and the House voted not to approve the try again when the time is right, hopefully in 2021.Senate resolution, thus leaving the declaration in place through mid-August. Aside from this resolution, the only One MMUA effort that did make its way to the Gover-two issues addressed during the Second Special Session nor’s desk and was signed into law was language clari-were police reform and bonding. A deal on a $1.8 billion fying that cities can hire minors at least 16 years of age bonding bill was reached but failed to pass when House to operate lawn mowing and related equipment provided Republicans once again refused to put up the six needed they are trained on the safety protocols for operating the equipment and wear appropriate safety gear. MMUA’s pass the bill out of protest to the Governor’s declaration language was picked up by golf course operators, nego-extension. A similar position had doomed the bonding bill during the First Special Session. Labor and Industry, and amended onto a bill allowing minors to operate rides at Valley Fair and County Fairs. As for the policing reform bill, after weeks of conver- The lawn mowing section of the bill became effective on May 28, 2020.came together around a package of reform efforts, including a statewide ban on the use of chokeholds and similar use of restraint unless necessary to protect Special Session. Unfortunately, due to the death of George Floyd while in police custody and continuing COVID-19 concerns, almost all focus shifted onto police reform demands and pandemic relief efforts. Senator to investigate excessive use of force allegations. Addi- get ECO into the mix by pointing out that the bill could tional issues such as restoring a felon’s right to vote and be a job producer and would likely help keep utility bills requiring the Attorney General to prosecute any charges low, and Senator Dave Osmek held an informational brought after any fatal use of force are expected to re- hearing on the bill to highlight amendments added to turn in 2021. address the concerns from the propane industry, but the Chamber/Flint Hills opposition led Senate Majority A third special session was gaveled in at noon, August Leader Paul Gazelka to issue a promise that ECO would not be on the agenda (although 2021 was arguably left later. While four DFL members (2 in both the House and open.) The First Special Session then ended after only a Senate) had lost to their primary challengers the night week’s work due to a self-imposed deadline adopted by before, those outcomes had no immediate impact on the the Senate.special session. The Senate voted to repeal the emergen- cy declaration, but the House did not, so it remains in One bill originally thought essential for passage during place until at least September 11 when the most recent the First Special Session that did not pass was a bill ap-30-day extension expires. With no change in the effort to repeal the declaration, the House did not bother to governments for new or additional expenses they in- curred due to COVID-19. Following the end of the First a bonding bill in August posed a risk to the authority to Special Session, Governor Walz, relying on his emer-issue previously authorized sales. Speaker of the House gency powers and some provisions of the federal CARES Melissa Hortman was hopeful that a bonding bill could Act, released the funds pursuant to a formula negotiated pass in either the fourth special session in September or with the Association of Minnesota Counties, the League - of Minnesota Cities, and the Minnesota Association of cial sessions in November and December would lead us Townships during the regular session. While none of to the 2021 regular session at which time the authority -to extend the Governor’s declaration would shift back to partment advisory indicates that the funds could be used the Executive Counsel and not the legislature. 4 100