It has been a tumultuous time in Minnesota, picking up the pieces following the tragic death of George Floyd while dealing with the ongoing impacts of the Coronavirus. It’s encouraging to see businesses begin to reopen around Minnesota and throughout the nation, and last month’s jobs report shows many Americans are eager to get back to work.

I am hopeful that the House of Representatives can return to Washington and return to doing the people’s work, adopting legislation to improve communication and engagement between law enforcement and their communities, address our national debt, and rekindle our economy to pre-COVID levels. To stay tuned with my work and my travels around the District this week, follow me on Twitter or Facebook.

Emmer on WJON

Yesterday (Monday), I joined Jay Caldwell on WJON radio to discuss legislation I am introducing to ensure law enforcement has the ability to engage with the communities who need their support and resources the most. The Community OutPost (COP) Outreach and Engagement Act is intended to improve communication and engagement between law enforcement and the communities they serve. It will result in a pilot program to promote the nationwide use of Community OutPosts, like the St. Cloud Police Department’s “COP House”.

A COP House is a residential home where nearby residents can receive critical services and build relationships with local law enforcement in that community. Right now, engagement and familiarity can help keep communities safe. Law enforcement should be familiar with the neighborhoods and the residents they are sworn to protect. This effort will give them the resources they need to make these COP Houses a reality.

Telephone Town Hall

Last week, I hosted another telephone town hall and It was great to have Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Roslyn Robertson and Minnesota State Executive Director of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency Joe Martin join me to answer questions for constituents throughout Central Minnesota.

Director Martin shared important information regarding the United States Department of Agriculture’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency will be accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses until August 28, 2020. One can contact one’s local FSA office for further assistance.

To keep up to date on information regarding my next telephone town hall visit my website for more information.

Disability Care

Often, individuals with disabilities are separated during hospital stays from their Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s) who care for them because of lack of resources. Last week, I sent a letter to House and Senate leadership urging that a portion of the funding provided within the CARES Act be dedicated to support professionals and those who care for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Direct Support Professionals are dedicated individuals who care for those with physical or intellectual disabilities and help them become or stay a valued member of their community. I led the Isaiah Baker and Margie Harris-Austin Act alongside Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) which authorizes states with 1915(c) waivers to reimburse providers for time Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) spend supporting those they care for. The bill was included in the CARES Act, which was signed into law by President Trump.