Dear Neighbors,

This week the legislature began a remote COVID-19 Response Working Group to discuss a variety of issues Minnesota is facing due to COVID-19. Governor Walz also signed the COVID-19 relief package into law last week after the Senate and House met. This was an important step to in responding to the needs of workers, health care providers, and families who are facing unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. We are continuing our work to solve other unresolved issues to protect our citizens, including:

• Paying E12 hourly workers
• Housing and homelessness assistance
• MFIP funding for families at the lowest income levels
• Anti-discrimination measures
• Repayment mechanism to the 21st Century Mineral Fund

Below are some resources so you can stay up-to-date on the most accurate information related to COVID-19, as well as hotline numbers should you wish to speak to someone over the phone. As we continue to navigate these challenging times, I am hoping to be a resource in anyway I can. If you have any questions, please contact my office. 

Hourly school workers deserve a paycheck

The challenge of COVID-19 is being felt in every corner of our state and in the everyday lives of Minnesotans. One of the most significant disruptions has been in our schools, where classes can no longer meet in person. Students, teachers, support staff, and administrators have had to put a plan in place for continuing education for the next several weeks.

Our educators, administrators, and other school workers have met this challenge, and have implemented a statewide distance learning program continuing education for our students. They have also gone above and beyond in supporting our students and families. They have been out there delivering meals and providing support to students and their families by checking in, reaching out, and helping in a thousand different ways. Their support has been unflinching in this crisis.

Though these educators and support staff have stepped up, Senate Republicans have ignored the pleas of thousands of hourly school workers who no longer have the guarantee of a paycheck. Though the Legislature passed a bipartisan $331 million COVID-19 relief package last week, it did not include a single provision related to education in the bill. This is unacceptable and I will continue to advocate for hourly school workers.

Now that we are adjourned, it is likely that the earliest we will be able to address this issue is when we return on April 14. Thousands of Minnesotans are facing anxiety, uncertainty, and the fear of not having the paychecks they need to pay their rent or mortgage or to cover the costs of food or medicine. Only through legislation can we guarantee that the pay expected for these hourly workers will get to them.

Legislators advocate for first responders’ access to workers comp

I had the pleasure to sign onto a letter sent a letter to Governor Walz asking him to use his executive authority to ensure first responders have access to workers compensation benefits in the event they contract COVID-19. In the letter, legislators argue that first responders are putting themselves at risk in order to help citizens stay safe and get access to health care they need. As a result, it is important that the state ensure first responders and others have access to the benefits they need. In addition to asking for an executive order, legislators are also working on a proposal to ensure these workers are covered through legislation.

We are committed to fighting for our state’s workers, including first responders. We will continue to push for the inclusion of first responders’ access to workers comp at the Legislature.

Resources:

Department of Health:

COVID Updates here.

COVID Hotlines: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Health questions:
651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903
School and childcare questions:
651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504

Employment and Economic Development:

Worker and Business Resources – if you are facing unemployment or a reduction in your hours, follow the “Information for Workers” link to learn how to apply for unemployment insurance benefits.

K-12 Education and Childcare:

Hotline for School and Childcare questions:

Call 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 (7am-7pm daily)

Hotline for Childcare Providers with questions: 1-888-234-1268

Updates about K-12 education from the Minnesota Department of Education can be found online here

Information on childcare for families and providers can be found online here

Dear Neighbors,

Responding to the impact of the coronavirus strain COVID-19 this past week became more urgent. Hundreds, and often thousands, of people visit the Capitol and Minnesota Senate Building every day. We must do all we can to keep visitors, staff, legislators and the rest of our community safe and healthy. While many of us were unable to meet in in person, know that I am always available by phone and email. I hope to be a resource in any way I can. Below I included an update from the legislature with resources you may find helpful. 

New measures adopted at Legislature in response to COVID-19

Responding to the impact of the coronavirus strain COVID-19 this past week became more urgent at both the state level and at the Minnesota Legislature. Governor Walz has made several moves to promote social distancing to “flatten the curve” of the infection rate for the virus, including mandating that restaurants move to takeout- and delivery-only methods and bars be closed for the next two weeks.

Other social gathering spaces such as theaters, bowling alleys, and museums have also been closed. These decisions come as an effort to slow the spread of the infection, so the state’s health care infrastructure isn’t overwhelmed with too many cases at once. We remain committed to aiding those affected negatively by these closures and have helped pass economic support for workers tirelessly fighting this pandemic, as well as those experiencing economic hardships because of it.

The Legislature passed a bill this week to provide an additional $200 million for health care infrastructure and procedures during the response to COVID-19. The legislation was passed unanimously, showing our commitment to bipartisanship during this trying time for Minnesota.

Governor Walz has also signed executive orders in recent days, which will:

• Protect residents and staff in Veterans Homes by restricting all visitors and non-essential personnel except for end of life care.
• Exempt emergency relief efforts from certain regulations that restrict their ability to provide assistance, including limits on weight and hours of service. The Order allows for the efficient movement of essential supplies, including food, medical supplies, and household items.
• Provide paid leave for all state employees who are unable to work because of COVID-19.

Things will also be looking different in how business is done at the Legislature for the next several weeks. The Legislature is following the guidelines of the Minnesota Department of Health surrounding social distancing: six feet of distance is maintained between people, in-person meetings are being extremely limited, staff are encouraged to telecommute whenever possible, and senators are in recess, only returning to pass emergency COVID response legislation or legislation agreed upon by all legislative caucuses before heading to the floor.

Staying informed is essential, and if we continue to follow these guidelines, we can flatten the curve and ensure Minnesota continues to operate in response to this pandemic effectively and efficiently. The most up-to-date information on COVID-19 from the MDH can be found here.

The MN Department of Health has set up a COVID-19 public hotline that is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The hotline number is 651-201-3920.

A MN Department of Public Safety hotline taking questions regarding community mitigation problems, including school and business impacts, can be found here open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903.

Other Resources:

Unemployment Benefits: If a business you work for has reduced your hours or terminated your employment in response to the pandemic or for any reason that is no fault of your own, it is likely that you qualify for the unemployment insurance benefits. The agency is encouraging applicants to utilize their website as they are receiving a high volume of calls.

The application to apply is available at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s website

Small Business Assistance: The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is recommending pandemic-impacted small businesses contact the Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 for the latest information on its Disaster Loan program. Small business guidance and loan resources can also be found on the SBA’s website

Starting soon businesses can apply for SBA low interest loans: We care deeply about your business and are actively working with state and federal partners on measures to assist businesses through this unprecedented time.

U.S. Small Business Administration loans available soon: One way Minnesota businesses may be able to get assistance is through low interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Governor Walz has requested an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration, clearing the way for businesses to apply for loans to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. If you have questions, please call the SBA hotline at 1-800-659-2955. We will share SBA loan application information as soon as it becomes available.

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you for tuning in to another week at the capitol. This week proved to be a busy one, with The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act passing the Senate, the coronavirus response bill, and many days on the hill. 

I value serving our neighbors in District 42 very highly, and I so appreciate when folks take the time to come visit me in St. Paul to advocate on a variety of issues. But everyone’s health and safety must come first. Given the nature of COVID-19 and the advice from experts, including the Minnesota Department of Health and guidance from Senate leaders, I will not be scheduling any constituent visits for the near future, and will be making other arrangements or postponing currently scheduled meetings. Accessibility to your state legislator is a priority to me, and I appreciate your understanding regarding this difficult issue Access to the senate offices will be limited in order to protect staff and others. I am happy to speak with you via phone or email in the near future. If you have questions, please call my office at (651) 296-5537 or my personal cell phone at (612) 600-5778.

Insulin affordability passes Senate, work remains

The cost of insulin has tripled in the last 10 years, and three insulin manufacturers control over 90% of the insulin market in the United States. In the last 12 months, those three companies have reported $84.1 billion in revenue and $18.5 billion in profits.

We passed legislation this week that creates an emergency insulin program and requires manufacturers to make or maintain patient assistance programs for ongoing support. This bill was a step in the right direction and will be discussed further in conference committee. (HF 3100/SF 3164)

Governor signs coronavirus response bill

This week, Governor Walz signed into law a bill appropriating nearly $21 million in funds to be added to Minnesota’s public health response contingency account. The funds will help support disease investigation, provide information to the public, coordinate statewide response activities, and conduct laboratory analysis. The legislation was passed urgently and with unanimous bipartisan support.

In addition to signing the funding bill into law this week, the governor has also activated the joint emergency operations center to work on the issue as it develops. Executive branch agencies are also prepared to move forward with further contingency plans, including hiring additional health care professionals and determining what that process would look like. The message surrounding coronavirus this week continues to be planning, not panicking. The state has expected cases of the illness to increase and that is why this legislation passed swiftly and with bipartisan support. Minnesota is committed to being as prepared as possible for dealing with this disease in a proactive and responsible manner.

In the best interest of senators, staff, and the public, beginning Monday, March 16, there will be limited access to senate office suites and staff areas to the public by appointment only. Appointments will be limited to no more than two guests in a senate office at a time. Larger groups may still be accommodated in certain public conference rooms or in general areas of the building.

State health officials are readying for a new phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in Minnesota, where five people have tested positive for the illness. The case serves as a reminder of the core preventative measures being recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health right now: stay home if you have a cold or flu-like symptoms, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, wash your hands, and avoid touching your face. With these preventative measures practiced individually and a fully funded public health response contingency account at the state level, Minnesota is prepared to handle the coronavirus effectively and efficiently. (SF 3813)

Dear Neighbors,

Week 4 of the legislative session has now finished. As legislative deadlines approach, we have seen many bills move through committee. As always, thank you for tuning in to events here at the capitol. It’s been a busy few weeks and I’ve been glad to see so many constituents come visit me in St. Paul.

Below are just some of the highlights and topics being discussed. I appreciate you all sharing your thoughts and concerns with me and look forward to another long week.

ERA MN rallies at the Capitol

Members and allies of the ERA Minnesota organization joined together in the rotunda this week for their annual International Women’s Day rally focusing on the Equal Rights Act (ERA), encouraging members and allies to get involved lobbying senators to support the movement and pass the ERA legislatively in the Senate to add the amendment to our state constitution.

The ERA is a constitutional amendment first passed in 1923 which seeks to amend the Constitution to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. The amendment reads simply, “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”

The amendment can be passed through the Legislature to be added to the ballot for the general election in November. The legislation has passed through all five House Committees and the House floor vote but has yet to receive a single hearing in the Senate.

I am committed to ensuring equal rights for all Minnesotans regardless of sex and will continue to fight for hearings on ERA-related bills.

The deadline to obtain a Real ID is rapidly approaching

The deadline to obtain a REAL ID is rapidly approaching. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 by Congress as a method to combat terrorism post-9/11 but is just now being implemented in Minnesota. Starting October 1 of 2020, the law will require the possession of a REAL ID to fly domestically, enter federal courthouses, and enter military bases. To obtain a REAL ID, Minnesotans will need to bring documents proving identity, social security number, and two different documents proving Minnesota residency to the DMV. To avoid extensive time spent at the DMV, citizens of Minnesota can begin the application process online at drive.mn.gov. It is also important to note that processing could take over a month, so planning a trip to the DMV well before the deadline will be advantageous (it is recommended to apply by June 1, 2020).

Minnesota leadership strongly advises citizens to obtain a REAL ID before the deadline. Failure to do so will result in denial of boarding commercial flights as well as significant backlog later this year. Currently, the wait time for a Real ID after applying for one is 46 days, but that number could be as high as 90-120 for those who wait until after the deadline.

Please reach out to me with any questions relating to the REAL ID. I hope to act as a resource in anyway I can through the process.