Dear Neighbors,
This week was another active week at the legislature, passing more relief measures in the Senate and House. Legislators passed a bill this week that will ensure health care workers, emergency responders, childcare workers, and other similarly situated critical employees have access to workers’ compensation benefits if they contract COVID-19 while working. The Minnesota Legislature will also next meet in session on April 14 to take up legislation to provide insulin for uninsured Minnesotans with diabetes or those who can’t afford it, in addition to other potential priorities specific to the COVID-19 crisis.Â
Governor Walz announced an executive order this week that will extend the current stay-at-home order in place. Minnesota will now practice and implement further social distancing measures until May 4. Executive Order 20-33 also extends the closure of bars, restaurants, and other public accommodations to this date.Â
I know these times are difficult, but we will endure this period of uncertainty together, and as your State Senator, I will be working with my colleagues to ensure Minnesota families are taken care of.
Workers’ compensation for front line workers
Legislators passed a bill this week that will ensure health care workers, emergency responders, childcare workers, and other similarly situated critical employees have access to workers’ compensation benefits if they contract COVID-19 while working. These workers are at increased risk because they have greater exposure to sick individuals, which is compounded by the concern that they lack the necessary personal protective equipment as a result of product shortages across the globe.
Our first responders and health care workers cannot stay at home during this crisis and are instead putting their lives, and the health and safety of their families, on the line every day to keep our communities safe and care for those who are suffering. I am grateful for the sacrifices they are making in order to keep Minnesota safe.
Governor Walz issues executive order to extend stay-at-home
As a recommendation from the CDC, Governor Walz announced an executive order this week that will extend the current stay-at-home order in place. Minnesota will now practice and implement further social distancing measures until May 4, as opposed to the former end date of April 10. Executive Order 20-33 also extends the closure of bars, restaurants, and other public accommodations to this date.
Minnesota has done well at social distancing and as bought some much needed time before we see the peak of cases here. By extending the stay-at-home order, we will buy ourselves additional time to prepare by manufacturing and purchasing resources such as ventilators (which increase the likelihood of survival of a patient in need by 10 times), building hospital infrastructure, and organizing hospitals for the pandemic’s peak. Should Minnesota continue this social distancing, it is estimated the peak would be pushed out to July.
For more information regarding the extension of the stay-at-home order, please visit Governor’s frequently updated website.
Hotline established to help victims of discrimination, hate crimes
Asian and Pacific Islander Minnesotans are experiencing an increase in discrimination and hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to this rise in hate, a hotline has been established to allow those who experience or witness bias and discrimination to report incidents to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. The toll-free helpline is at 1-833-454-0148 and is staffed Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Minnesotans can call the discrimination hotline or complete and submit this online form Translation and interpretation services are available.