HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly Notes- July 31st 2020CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS - WEEKLY NOTES for: July 31st 2020
TO: City Council Members & Staff
FROM: Eric Johnson, City Administrator
441—
Zoning & Development Items:
No new applications have been received.
COVID-19 Matters:
This is the Governor's -PORTAL —Many documents/ Exec. Orders can be found: https://mn.,qov/covidl9 Washington County
has initiated a County Dashboard containing more localized COVID-19 Impacts and rates LINK ->> HERE
As the City begins to allocate funds from the COVID CRF — it will need to make findings about such expenditures and the City
will need to make those findings and submit these to the Dept of Revenue. Attached is a rough concept of what that would look
like. Some will be non-complex and easily justified, but some will be a bit more complicated — such as parsing out a percentage
of wages; we understand the intention of the legislation is to give a wide reach of discretion. Many webinars have been had and
several more are forthcoming.
Information on County uses of their CRF allocations — business and homeowner assistance.
Other Items:
The Police Chief hiring committee has schedule interviews for 8/13/20. Five persons will be interviewed.
Like the security systems ... The City's phone systems are becoming obsolete and parts are becoming more -scarce — they aren't as
durable as they used to be.... Jenni Pinski and Betty Caruso are formulating some options; we hope to have a complete report and
plan of action by Mid -October.
METRO CITIES news for 7-31-20 is enclosed.
Mayor McComber provided:
Information from Lockridge Grindal -- State and Federal Updates
Various NLC Updates and Documents for COVID-19 and Policies
Article regarding Plant Closures — MNN POST 7/28/20
Please let me know if you have any questions - 651-253-7837 Call Anytime.
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City of Oak Park Heights
COVID EXPENSE FORM — CRF Allocation of $361,709
DEPARTMENT: Administration
AMOUNT: $1,000.00
TO: Allocation of funds to Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
SPENDING PLAN SECTION: Business Assistance
WAS IT PREVIOUSLY BUDGETED? NO.
SUMMARY: Provide $1,000 from the City's CRF allocation to the Chamber of
Commerce to aid in their continued economic recovery efforts
throughout the City and community. See their letter of request
to the City and City EDA dated 6/8/2020 — Attached. The City is
not requesting sponsorship credit or other acknowledgment,
but will require the Chamber to further utilize funds to directly
expense for PPE and/or activities that seek to mitigate COVID-
19 risks.
Department Head Approval — SIGNATURE:
City Administrator Approval — SIGNATURE:
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June 8.2020
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Oak Paris Heights City Council
City of Oak park Heights
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Dear FJlayorand Cru -,I-II 1- l=n- P -'
I an- 4r_' -c -ti °,rtl7=ta: cur=l r-- s: oat •,=1r. thI- :_1'-9'v1: He a•- _- _i r=4:- r13*e c -1"r- ssrn
Stat.r-..PI'Jtl=1VF',_rl•rl-ri.S'..P Ir Ski - .q !h -r.15 :n rr';c,:'�wleiI17,';7,rr,e5,
advocates and prorrxal-es the interest of bosirresses wNle enriching the lifecf ourconomunity. This year
I,as )me^C-uitechall en inginmanyways,lbutasacommunitywewllbestrrongerandlbetter,andwe
+,Fill -)•ospzr.
CC'rIC'_9--ITC ;c a'cfcstncwrbusinesscomm, -i:yand our personalvr'c1=1 c. it has
ins: e- CLII =s a_ .. _ c. : u-c"_cedented ,,+.a°yrs. CSur' a weer ra: alsc `a=e- graa:'r a=ectad
weaIe Iv {I ,-c.w"`gC4'v:-Y' S '."y ,:I cc_II'itthmn-S=c.-']'t7:1'e=:7':'.:=r-=oe'he
de-_ s : 5 :: o --E: pone and{arcanoel many of our community events which gener3:es revenue for our
aparr.in•c, it - -,5r-. -ni:- P\Pr-S rC7o-5} ry-ac titanIF•; f rnrrnmpnr2 and r-r.-ide-r2In :-5, 1r area,
drr;..0 nth 1; :qtr¢.; IF .I =, i ,7 , C,--= i.=i-.t,^t7=. aI-n M : 7 r. cur
argani7a- )n to support our community through our develcprnent, leadership and outreach p—, rams.
Even iv'-..-, educed hours, alr "m has been working hard and Icinghoursto bring our 6usiness
commusitythe mostup-to-date information, guidance, and resources these past 13 weeks and has
rallied i5 rnarryways to serve ourcomrnunity. The Chamber is a not-Far-prrofitS0146) and unfortunately,
did n-otquallify For business loans orthe payment protection program during #his pandemir-The loss of
community evrnts has negatively impacted our 2024 financials; therefore, we are startirga campaign
called "Rally j ,Your Chamber-" Thercare three Icwels to choose f-om:
Levels of S upport: {see aIIa rhed flyer for more detai ts)
Chamber Champion - $1,00D and Up gift contribution
Chamber Booster - $500
r,haml�-- Ne,jgl-Lor - S 100
: 2�ak= �,,e i=e-,, G- _ .:-•:I>'.'3�=.'31::..:Cll'v-, 'I'v'.._ "-, v .; .:a'.i1:'11"=:-
Ili.G 'Pz Gam:. dl'.^. i '11- -. I l,? -. -1-2i EP ;� Illi' -'-."I " -.' I- -.I_ F1 _3. IrT=rcSTP^ _ 9 3 Zlit r --,q :- - -1 M t1'e
Greater Stilhuater0larnber ofCommeme, ries-.- r rrlr office at 1661) 4394col. oryo 1 -a- submit
yaurgiftonour ,+, -. -= I ..i„ -r'---j11cF ,-F. F. r --?-k 'elr cup-),-)I.-".-r-rber m
VOUFChamber car suppo.-tVD.!Thi-; :o_=c-.:ct-c=5=idil-itis'- -:r';et==r__a:=Dn: -es:ectccv
pa rtnersh ip with you.
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3 of 29
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Asningtvn
Lot
Relief
Grp
• Property must be located in Washington
County and be the primary residence of
household (homesteaded)
• Delinquency or financial hardship must be
due to a documented COVID-19-related
financial impact on the household
• Eligible housing payments will be made
directly to the entity owed
• Eligible housing payments include:
• home mortgage/loan
• homeowners' association dues
• manufactured home community lot
rent
• land trust property land payments
• Assistance is limited, households with
great6st2'i3inancial need will receive priority
6111[ISILTivI1[:
irogra
The program is managed by the
Community Development Agency, with
applications available starting August 1
at www.washingtoncountycda.org. For
those with limited internet access,
contact 651-202-2822 to receive an
application. Applications are reviewed
on an ongoing basis until funding is
exnended.
Businesses:
• must be a locally owned and
operated for-profit business in the
county;
• must have at least one full-time
equivalent employee, in addition to
the owner as of March 1, and not
more than 50, and generate less
than $3.5 million in annual revenues;
• have been operating for at least six
months before March 1, 2020; and
• demonstrate a significant loss in
revenue since March 15.
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Applications will be managed by the
Washington County Community
Development Agency through the Open
to Business Program, 7645 Currell Blvd.,
Woodbury; 612-789-8838 or
wccovidrelief@mccdmn.org.
Applications: www. East MetroMSP.org
Metro Cities News 07/31/20
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Metro Cities News 07/31/20
Jul
31
In This Issue:
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Member Login S Search our site... UR
Meetings & Events Membership Advocacy Policies & Resources MAMA
State Revenue Collections and Budget Update
Federal CARES Act Funds and Reporting for Local Governments
Governor Announces School Re -Opening Plan
Metropolitan Council Releases 2019 Population Data
Livable Communities Program Housing Goals for Re -Enrollment
Metropolitan Council Adopts Wastewater Rates and Charges
State Revenue Collections and Budget Update
Upcoming Events
by: Jennifer Dorn MonAug 11, 2020
Category: Newsletter Transportation & General
Government
Category: Policy Committee
Tue Aug 18, 2020
Municipal Revenues
Category: Policy Committee
Wed Aug 19, 2020
Metropolitan Agencies
Category: Policy Committee
Wed Aug 19'2020
Housing and Economic
Development
Category: Policy Committee
Thu Aug 20, 2020
Metro Cities Board of Directors
Meeting
Category: Metro Cities Board of Directors
View Full Calendar
Our Tweets
The state Department of MN Management and Budget (MMB) released two pieces of information today
concerning the state's budget, a FY2020 revenue collections update and estimate of the state's Tweets by MetroCitiesMN
projected budgetary balance for the FY 2022-23 biennium.
The information shows revenue collections for FY2020 were -$58 million lower than the amount
projected in May estimates. The adjusted amount reflects processed tax payments and modifies the
state revenue report released earlier this month that projected this number to be $168 million.
Information released today also shows that the budget for the FY2022-23 is not structurally balanced in
the next biennium, with expenditures anticipated to exceed revenues by $4.7 billion.
The numbers released today also project an FY 2022-23 budgetary imbalance in the state's general fund
of -$6.6 billion. This figure includes the imbalance of -$2.3 billion in FY2022-21. These estimates were
constructed using the information and modelling that went into the interim budget forecast that was
released by MMB in May. The information released today adds detail for FY 2022-23 that was not
included in the original information released in May.
To view the update, click HERE. Please contact Patricia Nauman at 651-215-4002 or
patriciaC@metrocitiesmn.org with any questions.
Federal CARES Act Funds and Reporting for Local Governments
The State Office of MN Management and Budget (MMB) has developed a reporting system for local
governments that receive funds from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) of the Federal CARES Act. The
system will include a Microsoft Excel form that cities, counties and townships will be required to
download, fill out on a monthly basis and submit to MMB. This will be a cumulative form that is
downloaded once and then updated and submitted monthly. Below are links to the form and the email
address to which reports should be sent. The reporting system should be available sometime today,
Friday, July 31 st.
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https://www. metrocitiesmn. org/index.php?option=com_dailyplanetblog&view=entry&year... 8/l/2020
Metro Cities News 07/31/20
Reports will be due seven business days after each certification period, with the first report for any
funds received prior to July 25 due on August 11, 2020. Cities that received funds on July 29 will have
until the next submittal date to submit the report.
MMB will compile reported information on categories of expenses and the rate of spending and publish
reports monthly. This information will include any local governments that did not submit a report.
Published reports will be provided to the Legislature and media. Reporting requirements may be
adjusted if federal guidance is updated.
Cities will need to have their SWIFT supplier ID to start the report. The form will include broad
categories for expenses (medical, payroll, economic support, and other) and the report should include a
summary of expenses by category. Cities should include what has been spent and what has been
obligated to be spent. Each category on the form includes information on qualifying expenses under
that category. If you have distributed funds back to the county, you will be asked to provide the amount
of funds returned, the name of the county and the date funds were returned. For cities in Hennepin and
Ramsey counties, cities should note any returned funds to hospitals, and the name of the hospital to
which funds were provided.
Cities should confirm that expenses meet the overall federal criteria: the expense is necessary to
respond to COVID-19, the expense is not accounted for in the current budget, and the expense was
incurred during the eligible period between March 1 and November 15, 2020.
Form: https://mn.aov/mmb/covid-19-response-accountability-office/
Please submit to: CRAOffice.MMBZstate.mn.us
Please contact Patricia Nauman at 651-215-4002 or email: patriciaC@metrocitiesmn.ora with any
questions or concerns.
Governor Announces School Re -Opening Plan
On Thursday, Governor Walz and members of his administration announced a Safe Learning Plan for
the 2020-2021 school year through Executive Order 20-82. The Minnesota Safe Learning Plan includes
information covered and links to MDH and MDE information. The plan allows for local flexibility on re-
opening that is based on COVID-19 county case data and is responsive to changes in outbreaks. The
state has provided a matrix and guidance on the learning model parameters for districts. Parents may
also choose distance learning for their children. School districts will work in collaboration with MDE,
MDH and local officials on parameters based on cases by county of residence. A link to county data can
be found: htti)s://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/stats/wschool.i)df. The state is
providing recommendations to guide re -opening, but districts may implement local models based on
their local virus mitigation best practices. MDH can override local decisions based on public health
concerns.
Districts will receive $250 million from the coronavirus relief fund (CRF) to cover operational costs. The
state will provide each student and staff with one face covering, and each school with three disposable
face masks per student, as well as face shields for all licensed teachers. Educators will have access to
testing. All school districts and charter schools are required to adhere to state health requirements and
recommendations in MDH 2020-21 Planning Guidance for Schools and MDE 2020-2021 Plannina
Guidance.
Metropolitan Council Releases 2019 Population Data
Population estimates for the region and local units of government were released by the Metropolitan
Council. The 2019 estimates are based on Council review and analysis of data and input by cities.
Data shows the region has grown by 300,000 people since 2010 (a 10.6 percent growth rate) and as of
April 1, 2019 stood at 3.153 million residents. 30 percent of the growth resided in Saint Paul and
Minneapolis. Two-thirds of the population change was from a greater birth rate than death rate, and
one-third of the growth was from migration. The majority of migration growth was international
immigration to the region.
Average household size had decreased in previous decades but showed a slight increase in 2019 (2.52
in 2019 versus 2.5 in 2010). Concurrently, a greater share of the region's households are smaller (1-2
people), while larger households (3-6 people) have decreased as a share. 6+ person households have
increased by 0.2 percent.
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https://www. metrocitiesmn. org/index.php?option=com_dailyplanetblog&view=entry&year... 8/1/2020
Metro Cities News 07/31/20
The annual estimates are important to cities because they are used to allocate funding from several
sources including local government aid, local street aid, contributions and distributions from the Fiscal
Disparities program, and regional parks funding. Population estimates by city and township are
available on the Council website in bothds_f and spreadsheet formats.
Livable Communities Program Housing Goals for Re -Enrollment
Metro Cities is working with the Metropolitan Council to inform all eligible cities about re -enrollment in
the Livable Communities Program (LCA) for the 2021-30 period. One requirement for participation is to
adopt local affordable and life cycle housing goals. Housing goals for participating cities expire at the
end of this year. State laws governing the LCA program require local housing goals to be adopted by
November 15th of this year, in order for cities to be eligible for LCA grants in 2021.
Metro Cities has worked with the Council and city officials and staff to determine a methodology for
housing goals that recognizes available funding as well as opportunities for local tools and initiatives.
Cities with completed 2040 comprehensive plans should have received communication from the
Council on the need to re -enroll and information on your specific local affordable and life cycle housing
goals, and next steps. If you did not receive this information, please contact Tara Beard, LCA Manager,
at tara.beardZstate.mn.us
Metropolitan Council Adopts Wastewater Rates and Charges
The Metropolitan Council has adopted 2021 wastewater rates. A series of webinars with local
governments and industrial users were held earlier in the year to discuss the 2021 budget.
The adopted rates include a two percent (2i) increase on wastewater rates. Rates will vary for each city
based on its flow. SAC will remain flat at $2,485 per unit for 2021. More information on the 2021 rates
can be found here.
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Backtotop A
https://www. metrocitiesmn. org/index.php?option=com_dailyplanetblog&view=entry&year... 8/1/2020
From: Mary Mccomber
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd: Legislative Alert: Walz Announces Learning Plan for Upcoming School Year
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2020 2:25:34 PM
For weekly notes
-----Original Message -----
From: Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P. <legalert@locklaw.com>
To: marymccomber@aol.com <marymccomber@aol.com>
Sent: Thu, Jul 30, 2020 2:20 pm
Subject: Legislative Alert: Walz Announces Learning Plan for Upcoming School Year
View Online
Theodore Grindal
01M
Partner
load image
Today, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan,
along with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), announced Minnesota's
Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-21 School Year.
School districts and charter schools will begin in one of three models:
in-person, distance learning, or a hybrid model. Experts at the
Departments of Health and Education will partner with local school
Rebecca J. Kanninen districts and charter schools to help determine which learning model
Partner they should use to start the school year. The decision-making process
load image centers on the health, safety, and wellbeing of our students, staff, and
families by using the level of viral activity in the surrounding county and
other factors such as the district's ability to meet mitigation
requirements. The learning model decision will be announced by the
local school district.
"As a classroom teacher for more than 20 years and a parent of a child
in public schools, I am committed to providing a world-class education
to our students while keeping them and their teachers safe," said
Daniel G. Larson Governor Walz. "With this approach, we are pairing the knowledge and
Director, State & Local data from our Departments of Health and Education with the expertise
Government Affairs of our local school districts to make the best decisions for our students
load image across the state."
The Departments of Education and Health will work with school
"We know that families, teachers, and students are juggling competing
concerns as we approach 'back to school' this fall," said Lt. Governor
Flanagan. "While some are eager to be back in the classroom, others
have very real concerns about health and safety. That's why the Safe
Learning Plan sets the guidelines for how safely a school can reopen,
based on regional data and the expertise of public health leaders and
Nathaniel C. Mussell local administrators, while still allowing families, teachers, and staff to
Partner make the decision to stay home."
Governor Walz is investing over $430 million in federal funding to help
schools, educators, students, and families through this uncertain time.
Funding comes from the Governor's Education Emergency Relief,
Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief, and the
ifflnftll
districts and local health professionals throughout the school year to
help districts decide if and when they need to dial between learning
models depending on the progression and cause of the virus in their
specific community. When switching between learning models, the plan
prioritizes keeping younger children in the classroom, understanding
that transmission is less likely for younger children and that in-person
learning is particularly critical at their developmental stage.
Ann T. Lenczewski
Government Relations,
The Governor is also requiring school districts and charter schools to
Tax Policy & Local
give families the option to choose distance learning for their student no
Government
matter which learning model their school district is implementing.
load image
Additionally, the Governor is requiring school districts to allow teachers
and school employees to work remotely to the extent possible.
"We know that families, teachers, and students are juggling competing
concerns as we approach 'back to school' this fall," said Lt. Governor
Flanagan. "While some are eager to be back in the classroom, others
have very real concerns about health and safety. That's why the Safe
Learning Plan sets the guidelines for how safely a school can reopen,
based on regional data and the expertise of public health leaders and
Nathaniel C. Mussell local administrators, while still allowing families, teachers, and staff to
Partner make the decision to stay home."
Governor Walz is investing over $430 million in federal funding to help
schools, educators, students, and families through this uncertain time.
Funding comes from the Governor's Education Emergency Relief,
Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief, and the
ifflnftll
load image
The Governor has also prioritized family and community needs by
mobilizing his state agencies to create strategies and flexibilities for
child care and school-age care providers and protections for workers
who will need to provide care for children during the school -day.
Coronavirus Relief Fund. Walz provided $180 million through the
summer to improve distance learning and fund summer learning
programs. Today the Governor announced an additional $250 million
Angie A. Huss
of support that will:
Communications &
• Provide face coverings for every student, educator, and staff member;
Amos A. Briggs
• Deploy a comprehensive COVID testing plan for educators and staff
Government Relations
members;
load image
• Help cover operational costs, like cleaning supplies, transportation,
technology needs, and Wi-Fi access;
• Boost student, family, and educator support, like digital navigation
trainings, tutors, translation services, mental health support, and
professional development.
"The health and safety of our students, educators, school staff, and
families are our number one priority," said Commissioner Mary Cathryn
Ricker. "This localized approach that is centered on the data and
Peter H. Glessing
informed by a school's ability to follow all the public health
Associate/
requirements, will help school districts and charter schools navigate
Communications &
this uncertain school year. MDE and MDH will be there supporting our
Grassroots Advocacy
schools every step of the way to help them make decisions that will
load image
prioritize the health and well-being of their school communities."
The Governor has also prioritized family and community needs by
mobilizing his state agencies to create strategies and flexibilities for
child care and school-age care providers and protections for workers
who will need to provide care for children during the school -day.
On March 15, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 20-02, directing
the Commissioner of Education to prepare to transition all Minnesota
public schools to a distance learning model that continued for the rest
of the 2019-20 school year. This June, Minnesota public schools
Jessica E. Lindeen started developing contingency plans for the 2020-21 school year,
Government Relations based on guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education
(MDE) and public health guidelines from the Minnesota Department of
Health (MDH) which they will implement this fall.
Executive Order 20-82 will have the full force and effect of law upon
the approval of the Executive Council, which is made up of Governor
Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, Attorney General Ellison, Secretary of
ifi[.5f►1]
"We all recognize that COVID-19 is going to continue to impact our
schools and our communities for months to come, but those impacts
are varied and hard to predict," said MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm.
Angie A. Huss
"It is important for the well-being of Minnesota children that we get this
Communications &
right, and that we have solid and flexible plans in place to adapt to the
Grassroots Advocacy
load image
COVID-19 challenge. Under the leadership of Governor Walz and in
partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education and many
stakeholders, we have developed an evidence -based plan that offers
the right mix of support and flexibility for schools and communities
around the state."
On March 15, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 20-02, directing
the Commissioner of Education to prepare to transition all Minnesota
public schools to a distance learning model that continued for the rest
of the 2019-20 school year. This June, Minnesota public schools
Jessica E. Lindeen started developing contingency plans for the 2020-21 school year,
Government Relations based on guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education
(MDE) and public health guidelines from the Minnesota Department of
Health (MDH) which they will implement this fall.
Executive Order 20-82 will have the full force and effect of law upon
the approval of the Executive Council, which is made up of Governor
Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, Attorney General Ellison, Secretary of
ifi[.5f►1]
From: Mary Mccomber
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd: LGN Federal Update: July 27, 2020
Date: Monday, July 27, 2020 11:36:30 AM
For weekly notes
-----Original Message -----
From: Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P. <rfsherman@locklaw.com>
To: marymccomber@aol.com <marymccomber@aol.com>
Sent: Mon, Jul 27, 2020 10:44 am
Subject: LGN Federal Update: July 27, 2020
logo image
J. Kanninen
12 of 29
Partner
load image Senate Relief Bill Details Expected Today
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is expected to release a $1
trillion pandemic relief proposal today, kicking off talks with House
leadership on provisions including money for people who have lost
their jobs and protections for employers reopening their businesses.
The Senate plan will be outlined in a set of bills likely to appear this
afternoon.
Emily J. Tranter The measures, a step toward a fifth coronavirus stimulus bill, aim to
Lead Lobbyist, Policy and extend just -expired supplemental unemployment benefits, but at a
Federal Government lower level; provide a new round of $1,200 direct stimulus checks;
Affairs send money to schools to help them reopen; and approve funding for
load image expanded virus testing across the country.
The House passed a wider -reaching and significantly more expensive
relief bill in May, and Congress has only a couple of weeks before the
scheduled August recess to bridge the gulf between the proposals. In
the meantime, the safety net fashioned in March, including the
additional unemployment aid and a moratorium on evictions, will likely
lapse.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has ruled out passing a temporary
Nathaniel C. Mussell extension of the unemployment benefits during the negotiations,
Partner arguing that such a move would undermine her leverage in securing
load image certain policy provisions.
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said over the weekend that
the Senate stimulus bill will contain an extended unemployment -benefit
plan to replace 70% of jobless individuals' lost wages. Appearing
yesterday on "This Week" on ABC, Meadows said the proposal won't
revive the $600 supplemental unemployment payments that were part
of the stimulus passed in March and expired last week.
A non-partisan group of state workforce agencies is advising Congress
Lianne M. Endo not to switch enhanced unemployment benefits to a formula based on
Federal Relations workers' past wages, warning that use of an individualized model could
load image require months of preparation time.
House to Continue Appropriations Work with Second Minibus Bill
The House Rules Committee is scheduled to meet tomorrow to set the
terms for floor consideration, including the amendments to be debated,
for the second fiscal 2021 appropriations package to be voted on in the
chamber.
The measure includes seven of the twelve annual bills: Defense,
Megan G. Knight Commerce -Justice -Science, Energy and Water, Financial Services,
Federal Relations Homeland Security, Labor -HHS -Education, and Transportation -HUD
funding.
The package includes provisions that would reduce the Pentagon's
financial flexibility due to the administration's use of defense funds for
the border wall; block administration restrictions on asylum; make
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load image
some police grants contingent on policy changes including chokehold
bans; and create a commission to review federal displays that might be
"inconsistent" with the values of diversity and inclusion.
Robert F. Sherman
At the end of last week, the House passed a four -bill fiscal 2021
spending package by a 224-189 vote, its first annual funding measure
Federal Relations of the year. The legislation included the State and Foreign Operations,
load image Agriculture -FDA, Interior -Environment, and Military Construction -VA
funding bills.
Trump and Grassley Push Ahead on Drug Pricing Proposals
The Trump administration has given the drug industry until August 24
to find a suitable alternative to one of his drug pricing plans, time
Senator Chuck Grassley (R -IA) indicated he plans to use to build
support for his own prescription drug package.
Vince M. Spinner
Federal Relations President Trump unveiled a series of drug pricing initiatives last week,
load image the most wide -sweeping of which will go into effect unless the
pharmaceutical industry comes up with better solutions, the White
House said. The order, among other provisions, would tie the price of
some medicines in the U.S. to their cost in countries that have
successfully negotiated for better prices.
Senator Grassley's bill has long been seen as the most likely major
drug pricing legislation to get congressional approval. However,
conservative groups dislike the bill's cap on drug pricing increases and
the legislation's lead Democratic sponsor, Senator Ron Wyden (D -OR),
Randy Kelly recently withdrew from negotiations on the package.
Senior Advisor
load image House leadership has its own drug pricing measures that are closer to
the administration's proposals than Senator Grassley's, which passed
last year.
Minnesota Delegation Notes
• Senator Amy Klobuchar (D -MN) and Senator John Cornyn (R -TX)
introduced the Save Our Stages Act, which would provide Small
Business Administration grants for independent live music venue
operators affected by COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. Read more
here.
• Senator Tina Smith (D -MN) and Senator Susan Collins (R -ME)
introduced legislation to provide relief to logging and log hauling
businesses that have experienced losses of ten percent or more due to
the pandemic. Read more here.
• Congressman Jim Hagedorn (R -MN -01) and Congresswoman Abby
Finkenauer (D -IA -01) introduced the Affordable Child Care for
Economic Strategies and Success (ACCESS) Act, which would permit
14 of 29
the use of federal economic development grants to improve the
accessibility of childcare. Read more here.
• Congresswoman Angie Craig (D -MN -02) and Congressman Jeff
Fortenberry (R -NE -01) introduced legislation to lower insulin prices by
allowing patients without insurance to purchase insulin at the net rate
and capping copays for patients with insurance. Read more here.
• Congressman Dean Phillips (D -MN -03) had an amendment of his,
to help protect Gold Star military families by ensuring that dependent
children can easily access the benefits they are owed, passed as part
of the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Read more here.
• Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D -MN -04) released a statement
outlining various provisions of the 2021 Interior -Environment
appropriations bill after the legislation was passed by the House last
week. Read more here.
• Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D -MN -05) had the House pass her
bill, the NO BAN Act, which would repeal all versions of the Trump
administration's travel bans and change the law such that no future
administration can implement a similar policy. Read more here.
• Congressman Tom Emmer (R -MN -06) announced that he will be
holding a telephone town hall on Wednesday, July 29. Read more
here.
• Congressman Collin Peterson (D -MN -07) announced that a bill he
co-sponsored, the Veteran Treatment Court Act of 2019, has passed
the House under unanimous consent and is now heading to the White
House to be signed into law. Read more here.
• Congressman Pete Stauber (R -MN -08) had legislation of his, which
would protect small federal contractors from losing significant revenues
due to contract modifications, pass the House as a part of the National
Defense Authorization Act. Read more here.
15 of 29
From: Mary Mccomber
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd: LGN Federal Update: Senate Relief Plan Unveiled
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2020 10:03:38 AM
For weekly notes
-----Original Message -----
From: Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P. <rfsherman@locklaw.com>
To: marymccomber@aol.com <marymccomber@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Jul 28, 2020 9:29 am
Subject: LGN Federal Update: Senate Relief Plan Unveiled
logo image
J. Kanninen LGN Federal Update: Senate Leadership
Partner
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U.S. Senate leadership late on Monday unveiled a draft plan to provide
$1 trillion in coronavirus relief funding ahead of negotiations with
House leaders. As a package of separate bills, the plan gives
Congress the option of passing parts of the agenda now, such as
extensions of unemployment insurance or public health funding, and
leaving the rest for later.
The majority caucus in the Senate had been divided on the overall cost
Emily J. Tranter of the plan and how to extend the supplemental unemployment
Lead Lobbyist, Policy and benefits expiring this week. Congressional Democrats, backing their
Federal Government own $3.5 trillion HEROES Act passed in the House in May, have
Affairs signaled that negotiations would begin once the GOP had united
load image around their own plan.
Notably, the Senate plan does not include any additional funding for
state and local governments, a top priority for House leadership and
Senate Democrats. The House -passed HEROES Act included $500
billion for states and $375 billion for local governments.
However, the bill would expand the allowable use of the CARES Act's
Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) by extending funds for use beyond the
end of 2020 to 90 days after the end of a state or localities' fiscal year
Nathaniel C. Mussell 2021 date, as well as permitting states and local governments to use
Partner CRF funding to cover revenue shortfalls incurred in fiscal years 2020
load image and 2021, subject to a limit of 25 percent of relief funds.
Negotiations are expected to continue throughout the week ahead of
the coming August recess, scheduled to begin the week of August 10.
It is expected that negotiations will center largely on local government
funding, liability protections, and tax issues, and will be held among
leaders in both chambers and the administration.
Direct Payments
17 of 29
Details of the newly -released Senate legislation can be found below:
Lianne M. Endo
Unemployment Insurance
Federal Relations
load image
Pandemic -related federal supplemental unemployment benefits for
millions of people in the U.S. began running out on Saturday, July 25.
The Senate plan extends the added benefits at a rate lower than the
$600 per week enacted as part of the CARES Act in March.
For two months, the benefits would be set at $200 per week on top of
state -level benefits, which vary. After that, states would provide
benefits equal to 70% of previous wages, with the federal supplement
additionally capped at $500 per week. States would be allowed to
Megan G. Knight
apply for a waiver to secure up to two additional months to transition to
Federal Relations
the new calculation.
Senate Democrats have proposed extending the $600 benefit through
March until a possible reduction to state unemployment rates. The
House -passed HEROES Act would extend the benefit into January.
Direct Payments
17 of 29
load image
Robert F. Sherman
Federal Relations
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Vince M. Spinner
Federal Relations
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Randy Kelly
Senior Advisor
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18 of 29
The legislation includes a second set of stimulus payments, structured
the same way as the first round in March. The plan provides $1,200
payments at individual incomes of $75,000 or less a year, with $500 in
benefits for each child or adult dependent.
Liability Protections
Liability protections have been a top priority for Senate Majority Leader
Mitch McConnell. The bill shields businesses, schools, charities, and
other organizations from Covid-19-related lawsuits through October 1,
2024, as long as they make "reasonable" efforts to follow public health
guidelines and don't commit acts of "gross negligence" or "intentional
misconduct," according to the summary.
The proposal would move medical liability claims against caregivers
that arise from virus -related care provided by licensed health care
facilities and medical workers to federal courts. Like employers
generally, they could only be successfully sued if they engaged in
gross negligence and intentional misconduct. Federal courts could
decide such matters as the burden of proof by a claimant or any caps
on damages.
Small Business Loans
The plan would extend the Paycheck Protection Program of forgivable
small business loans, adding $60 billion to a program that still has
$130 billion left from the last stimulus. Small businesses with fewer
than 300 employees that can show revenue losses of 50% or more
since the pandemic began would be able to apply for second PPP
loans.
The plan has $100 billion in long-term, low-cost loans to "recovery
sector" businesses, such as seasonal businesses and those located in
low-income areas. These small businesses must demonstrate at least
a 50 percent reduction in revenues.
Hiring Tax Credit
The legislation includes an expanded version of the employee retention
tax credit for businesses that keep workers on their payrolls. The break
gives companies an additional incentive to keep people employed as
many firms still face revenue downturns but have run out of Paycheck
Protection Program money or never qualified for it.
The credit, which has broad bipartisan backing, is refundable against
payroll tax liability, meaning that companies could get a check back
from the IRS if they qualify for a larger tax break than the payroll taxes
they owe. The legislation also expands a tax credit for large
businesses to hire individuals who are unemployed.
Health Care
The White House dropped its initial opposition to new testing money in
the bill and agreed to go along with a plan for $16 billion to help states
ramp up tests and contact tracing.
Education Funding
The plan would provide $105 billion, with $70 billion going to
elementary, middle and high schools; $29 billion for colleges and
universities and $5 billion to a flexible fund. Two-thirds of the money
would go to schools that institute reopening plans and the rest to
schools generally, under existing federal formulas.
Operating -During -a -Pandemic Tax Break
The plan includes tax credits for the increased costs that businesses
are facing to shield workers and customers against the virus. It
includes a credit to cover some of what companies spend on testing,
personal protective equipment, workplace cleaning, and retrofitting
facilities to adhere to distancing guidelines.
Protective Equipment
The plan is proposing to end dependence on foreign manufacturers for
personal protective equipment. The plan, developed by Senator
Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, would create tax credits to spur
manufacturing to help the federal government reach the goal of 100%
domestic sourcing of PPE within five years.
19 of 29
From: Mary Mccomber
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd: What does it mean to be Anti -Racist?
Date: Saturday, July 25, 2020 8:21:03 AM
For weekly notes
-----Original Message -----
From: National League Of Cities (NLC) <news@nlc.org>
To: marymccomber@aol.com
Sent: Sat, Jul 25, 2020 6:04 am
Subject: What does it mean to be Anti -Racist?
what does it mean to be antiracist
View in browser.
C
What Does It Mean to Be an Anti -racist?
It is not enough to believe that being "not racist" will eliminate racism and
racial inequities. Instead, we must work within ourselves, our networks, and
our institutions to challenge racism with each decision we make. The practice
of anti -racism is everyone's ongoing work. How do we do that? Read more.
P41nft%7
CAE Call Your Senator Action
Cities Will Need to Address Basic Needs for
Postsecondary Students
Municipal leaders are forced to think through solutions
®`Municipal
the racial disparity questions about economically
stable and mobile populations. Read more.
How Maine Ensures Access to Healthy Food
To help households struggling with food insecurity,
volunteers work with Bowdoinham's food pantry to
®` make deliveries of fresh produce and other groceries.
Read more.
News
What to Leave out of the COVID Relief Bill
National Review— July 24, 2020
Senate Republicans leave state, local aid out of their emergency aid plan
Bond Buyer— July 23, 2020
Where Is the American Child Care Bailout?
Bloomberg — July 22, 2020
Municipal revenues steeply decline in college towns
Bond Buyer— July 22, 2020
Councilman Russ Neal Speaks on Current Issues in Cities
1590 WAKR Radio — July 22, 2020
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equitable cities for the future. Register now!
JOIN IN: NLC Membership Calls
Hear from city managers how their communities are weathering the economic
fallout from COVID. Join NLC's membership calls on either July 28 or July 29.
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NLC will begin accepting applications for leadership positions on Aug. 11.
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22 of 29
7/2t3/2020 Phasing Gut: Utilities, cities prepare for the end of Gaal -fired energy in Minnesota I MinnPGst
Nonprofit, nonpartisan journalism. Supported by readers.
Phasing out: Utilities, cities prepare for the arab of
coal -Bred energy in Minnesota
The state's largest utilities are planning to phaseout most of their coal-fired plants by the end
of the decade.
By C
z,rggg Aamot I MinnPost contributing writer
f
Minnesota Power's Boswell Energy Center provides nearly 70 percent of Cohasset's tax revenue and about 20
percent of the school district's take, according to the utility.
Allete
July 27, 202® In May, when Great River Energy announced plans to close a North
Dakota coal -burning plant that powers parts of Minnesota, it served as
23 of 29 a reminder that the days of coal -powered energy will eventually end.
https://www.minnpost.com/environment/2020/07/phasing-out-utilities-cities-prepare-for the-end-of-coal-fired-energy-in-minnesota/ 1/8
7/2812020 Phasing out: Utilities, cities prepare for the end of coal-fired energy in Minnesnta I MinnPost
It's hard to say when that last piece of coal will get burned in
Minnesota, exactly, though the state's largest utilities are planning to
phase out most of their coal-fired plants by the end of the decade.
Xcel Energy, has four coal -burning units that are still operating. Two
units at its Sherco Power Plant near Becker are slated to close in 2023
and 2026 while the last one there could close in 2030, pending
regulatory approval. The company is also proposing to close its coal-
fired Oak Park Heights plant in 2028.
Meanwhile, otter Tail Power plans to shutter its Fergus Falls plant in
2021 while %innesota Powe is preparing a proposal for state regulators
that would close its two remaining units in Cohasset, on the Iron
Range.
A half-dozen other operations also burn some coal, according to the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, such as a steam plant in Duluth
and utilities in a few rural cities. But the lion's share of coal -produced
power in Minnesota comes from the major utilities that are planning for
a future without it.
Lost tax revenue
Audrey Partridge, the regulatory policy manager at the er for
Ener and Environment, a nonprofit organization that promotes green
energy policies, has been studying the economic impact of coal -plant
closures. One probable change: higher taxes in communities where
coal-fired electricity plants have been producing significant revenue for
cities and school districts.
"Many of these communities are probably not taxing their residents or
businesses quite as high as other communities of their size, so they
have some room to raise revenue," she told MinnPost.
Indeed, in ohassC , Minnesota Power's Boswell Energy Center
provides nearly 70 percent of the city's tax revenue and about 20
percent of the school district's take, according to the utility. Mayor Greg
24 of 29
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7128/202.0 Phasing out: utilities, cities prepare for the end of coal-fired energy in Minnesota j MinnPost
Hagy said that revenue stream was crucial in the recent construction of
a senior center and in the renovation of a day care center.
Hagy is holding out faint hope that the coal units, which power this
City of 2,800 people as well as the region's mining and paper
industries, might remain open indefinitely, arguing that they burn coal
more efficiently than other plants. "You're talking about a devastating
economic hit, and that's not even considering the spinoff jobs" that
have been created, he said. "The bottom lime. You'll pay more for your
power and your taxes will go up."
Looking for afternative§
Julie Pierce
Minn Post file photo by Walker
Orenstein
Minnesota Power, which has been meeting with Hagy and others in
Cohasset for several years, plans to file its proposal for closing the coal-
fired units with the MPUC in April, said Julie Pierce, the company's vice
president of strategy and planning. She said the company, which
provides power in northeastern Minnesota, had not settled on closure
dates.
"This is the heart of our system," she said, speaking of the Boswell
operation. "It serves as the backbone to reliable energy in the region,
so there are a lot of things we need to consider."
25 of 29
haps:/Mww.minnpost.corn/onvironmenV2020/07/phasing-out-utilities-cities-prepare-for-the-end-of-coal-fire"nergy-in-minnesow 318
7/28/2020
Phasing out- Utilities, cities prepare for the end of coal-fired energy in Minnesota ! MinnPost
Asked about the potential for rate hikes, she added: "We're really
digging into what the alternatives are to leverage that infrastructure
while keeping the reliability and affordability of energy for our
customers in the forefront."
At the Sherco site in Beck -, southeast of St. Cloud, fewer Xcel Energy
employees will be needed to run the solar plant that will largely replace
coal. City officials hope to create an industrial park there once the coal
units shutter, with the idea that new businesses will help replace lost
revenue. (Funding for that proposal is part of a statewide bonding bill
that has stalled at the Legislature).
Sherco 3 plant
Xcef Enemy
a
Sit -a
97,
r ��
. imI M4
"That's the hope and that's the plan," said City Administrator Greg
Pruszinske, noting that Becker, with a growing population of about
5,000 residents, has been experiencing business growth. He added:
"That's also a tall order."
26 of 29
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7/28/2020 Phasing out: Utilities, cities prepare for the end of coal fired energy in Minnesota I MinnPost
Greg Pruszinske
11
The Sherco plant provides 75 percent of the city's tax base, Pruszinske
said.
"There will be an impact," said Christopher Clark, Xcel's president for
Minnesota and the Dakotas. "For the most part, in communities where
such a transition is happening, they can do things to replace part of
(the lost revenue), but they can't entirely replace that benefit."
Three-fourths of the greenhouse gases emitted by electric companies in
Minnesota come frons Xcel Energy and Minnesota Power plants,
according to MPGA statistics. The percentage is even higher for coal -
produced emissions.
Last year, Goer. Tiny Walz announced a strategy to wean Minnesota
power companies off of coal and any other carbon -generating source
by 2050. A related bill, known as Clean Energy First, would push
electricity suppliers toward green energy by restricting the MPUC's
ability to approve new fossil -fuel power. (Neither bill has been signed
into law).
27 of 29
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7/28/2020
Phasing out: Utilities, cities prepare for the end cf coal-fired energy in Minnesota I MinnPost
Christopher Clark
Meanwhile, the state's major utilities continue to chip away at their
carbon footprint.
In 2005, for instance, 95 percent of the energy Minnesota Power
produced was from coal; since then, the company has closed seven of
its nine coal-fired units and will be producing 50 percent of its energy
from renewable sources by the end of this year with the completion of a
hydroelectric station, the company said.
Xcel Energy, meanwhile, hopes to generate 8o percent of its power from
renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, by 203o and to
generate all of its energy from renewable sources by mid-century. (It
recently announced, as part of a plan to accelerate utility projects amid
the COVID-19 pandemic, that it would add a major solar project at the
Sherco site. For its part, Minnesota Power said it planned to add solar
at plants in Hoyt Lakes and Brainerd).
Otter Tail Power, which provides electricity across western Minnesota,
plans to replace its Hoot Lake Power Plant in Fergus Falls with energy
from a wind farm under construction in North Dakota and a natural gas
plant being built in South Dakota, a spokeswoman said. The coal plant
was built in the 1950s.
28 of 29
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7/28/2020 Phasing out: Utilities, cities prepare for the end of coal-fired energy in Minnesota j MinnPost
Gregg Aarnot
Gregg Aarnot is a longtime Minnesotan journalist and college instructor.
After getting his start at a newspaper in rural Minnesota, he spent a
decade with. The Associated Press in Minneapolis, reporting from many
regions of the state. Aamot is the author of "The New Minn, esotans°
Stories of Immigrants and Refugees" and teaches English at R.idgewater
College.
Show comments or leve a commer�
'hanks to our raq'ir sponsors
Additional thanks to our top phil.anthropi� supporters.
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