Dear Neighbors,
Happy Thanksgiving!
This year has been challenging, but we still have so much to be thankful for. I hope you’re able to take a moment during this holiday to pause and reflect on the things you’re grateful for in your life.
From my family to yours, I wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman
About one-fifth of legislators vow to take safety steps, urge residents to do the same.
A small, bipartisan group of state legislators encouraged Minnesotans on Monday to pledge to take personal steps to curb the spread of the coronavirus as the holidays approach.
The new public education campaign, announced on Zoom, encourages individuals to wear masks, limit social gatherings and take other actions to reduce exposure, regardless of their political views.
“It’s important to recognize that Republicans and Democrats don’t have to fight about everything, just some things,” said Rep. Pat Garofalo, R-Farmington. “As we’re going forward with COVID-19, it’s really going to take cooperation from all of us to make a difference and defeat this.” Continue reading.
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on COVID-19 economic relief legislation:
“The burden of protecting Minnesotans from the spread of COVID-19 has hit some businesses and workers harder than others. While we join state leaders across the country in urging federal action to provide economic relief as soon as possible, we are working as quickly as we can on state measures to provide additional assistance,” said Speaker Hortman. “We need to work together to help those struggling during this tough time, and then turn our attention in the 2021 Session to rebuilding Minnesota’s economy in the wake of this pandemic.”
“The public health guidelines and restrictions in place are needed and saving lives, but hurting an important segment of businesses and our economy. The state needs to take action,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “We have seen a pattern with many COVID efforts from the federal government — corporations, the wealthy, and well-connected have been the biggest beneficiaries of federal aid, while working families have to make do with what’s left. We have to do better in Minnesota. With strong investments in unemployment insurance and other programs that aid low-income families, we can help those who are struggling the most. We are ready to work with our Republican colleagues to provide relief as soon as possible for both workers and businesses.”
The COVID-19 relief package from House DFLers and Governor Walz includes critical measures to:
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Yesterday, a bipartisan group of legislators from the Minnesota House of Representatives announced the Minnesota Pledge to Defeat COVID-19, a social media push to emphasize that the basic steps we can take to help curb the spread of COVID-19 have no partisan affiliation. Ahead of the holiday season, and with Minnesota experiencing a surge in cases, these legislators are asking all Minnesotans to share this message and commit to taking the necessary precautions.
“We’re entering a critical moment in the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota, and how we choose to respond will have a direct impact on our family, friends, and neighbors,” said Rep. Kelly Morrison (DFL – Deephaven), who is also a practicing physician. “The situation is dire, and our public health professionals and healthcare workers are begging us to follow the basic guidelines of COVID prevention because they’ve seen first-hand the consequences of this virus as cases surge. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to sign the Minnesota Pledge to Defeat COVID-19. We all have a role to play in slowing the spread.”
Using the hashtag #TakeThePledgeMN, the pledge asks Minnesotans to double down on their efforts to wear a face mask, maintain social distancing, stay home if sick or exposed to COVID-19, limit the size of gatherings, and to be kind to one another.
Continue reading “Bipartisan Coalition of State Legislators Introduce Pledge to Curb the Spread of COVID-19”
Dear Neighbors,
A big thank you to everyone for allowing me to continue working for our Champlin and Coon Rapids communities for another two-year term. Working together-regardless of party affiliation- to find common ground for our families is my top priority. Now more than ever, we need to make this commitment to Minnesotans, especially as we’ll once again be the only divided state legislature in the country. Our to-do list is large, and the Legislature must find solutions to address public health and economic relief. Hospitals are under enormous strain, homelessness is increasing, Minnesotans are struggling to afford their mortgages and rent, and small businesses continue to struggle during a global pandemic. The Legislature will also be tasked with balancing a state budget. Your feedback is critical in these endeavors.
Here is an update from the Capitol:
Continue reading “Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: November 19, 2020”Dear Neighbors,
I hope you and yours are staying safe and healthy as Minnesota experiences its most dangerous days yet in the COVID-19 pandemic. The surge in cases and deaths have taken place across the midwest, and indeed the country, with many states reverting to the measures we saw last spring. Though the promising news of effective vaccinesgives us hope, the facts are that we still have months to go before they could be distributed in a best-case scenario, and until then measures must be taken to ensure our community stays healthy.
New COVID-19 Restrictions
Yesterday, following the guidance of the state’s top public health officials, Governor Walz announced the return of familiar measures:
Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: November 19, 2020”
Dear Neighbors,
I hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Over the past few weeks, Minnesota has seen some of its worst days yet in the COVID-19 pandemic, and though the promising news of effective vaccines gives us hope, it’s likely that darker days lie ahead.
Much of Minnesota’s success in combating this virus is depended on what additional resources we’ll be able to receive from the federal government, and to that end I drafted a letter along with my DFL colleagues in the Minnesota House calling on President Trump and Senate Majority Leader McConnell to return to the work of delivering sorely-needed economic relief. We need every level of government to work together to fight this pandemic and help Minnesotans and our small businesses weather these economic storms. You can read that letter here.
New COVID-19 Measures
Yesterday, Governor Walz announced new measures in Minnesota’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, or rather, we returned to some of the familiar restrictions from last spring. Starting Friday at 11:59 p.m., bars and restaurants will only be open through take-out options, gyms and entertainment venues will close, and we’ll be putting a pause on youth sports.
Continue reading “Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: November 19, 2020”
Dear Neighbors,
Updates Return
With the campaign season over, we can return to our regular email updates covering everything happening at the Legislature and around Minnesota. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful community for returning me to the Legislature. I plan to continue to serve you diligently over these next two years.
New Covid-19 Rules as Virus Reaches Record Levels
Unfortunately, Covid is spreading at record levels throughout the country, including here in Minnesota where we have reached our capacity to manage the virus. Governor Walz has announced a number of new actions designed to reign in the virus.
Yesterday, he announced the following safety restrictions:
If you can, please continue to get takeout from your favorite local restaurants; they are going to need our help more than ever. Personally I plan to support CR’s and Ole Piper! Torg and Invictus have curbside pickup as well. No one wants to see increased restrictions; we are all fatigued by the ongoing fight against COVID-19, but these restrictions are necessary to help curb the spread of this virus and save lives. We aren’t at a point where we can return to normal. These restrictions are a direct result of Minnesotans returning to too many pre-covid activities without taking the proper preventative measures. I understand that this is difficult, but we must remain vigilant when it comes to managing this virus. For everyone’s sake, please continue to limit gatherings, wear masks, and social distance.
It is increasingly clear that Minnesota needs federal assistance. We need immediate action on a new COVID-19 relief package, and an extension on flexibility to utilize resources allocated to state and local governments in the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Our state and local governments can’t combat this devastating virus alone, we must come together as a nation to fight for one another.
Actions Taken to Increase Testing and Provide Financial Relief
Last Week, Governor Walz announced the addition of more than a dozen new testing locations opening across the state over the next two weeks. All of the new testing sites will continue to offer free, “no barrier” COVID-19 testing. Testing will be free and available to anyone who wants to be tested whether they have symptoms or not, and it will not require insurance. These sites will be open at least through the end of the year with logistical aid provided by the National Guard. It is critical that we test as much as possible so we can trace how the virus is spreading and implement the necessary isolation.For more information on how and where to receive a COVID-19 test, visit mn.gov/covid19/. An updated list of community testing sites is available here.
Lastly, Governor Walz announced $10 million in Small Business Relief Grants to support businesses that are struggling as they do their part to combat the spread of COVID-19. This funding will support an additional 1,000 businesses that have applied for the grant program.
Keep in Touch:
You can contact me at rep.erin.koegel@house.mn or (651) 296-5369. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our district in the legislature and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Erin Koegel
State Representative
Dear Neighbors,
Updates Return
With the campaign season ending we can return to our regular email updates covering everything happening at the Legislature and around Minnesota. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful community for returning me to the Legislature. I plan to continue to serve you diligently over these next two years.
New Covid-19 Rules as Virus Reaches Record Levels
Unfortunately, Covid is spreading at record levels throughout the country, including here in Minnesota where we have reached our capacity to manage the virus. Governor Walz has announced a number of new actions designed to reign in the virus.
Today, Governor Walz announced the following restrictions:
Continue reading “Rep. Samantha Vang (HD40B) Update: November 19, 2020”
Dear Neighbors,
New Covid-19 Rules as Virus Reaches Record Levels
Unfortunately, Covid is spreading at record levels throughout the country, including here in Minnesota where we have reached our capacity to manage the virus. Governor Walz has announced a number of new actions designed to reign in the virus.
Today, Governor Walz announced the following restrictions:
