Category: SD40

Rep. Samantha Vang (HD40B) Update: April 14, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I’m pleased to report that the Legislature is taking new action today to provide a social safety net for Minnesotans.

The Minnesota House and Senate have approved a bill that makes insulin affordable in an emergency and over the long-term, as well as a fourth COVID response package to provide workers, businesses, and families with flexibility, resources, and economic security during this unprecedented public health crisis. Governor Walz is expected to sign the bills into law as soon as this evening.

We have been working hard over the past month to help Minnesotans with unemployment insurance for people who have lost their jobs (including self-employed and contract workers), no-interest loans for small businesses that have closed (including restaurants and bars), housing security, food security, and workers’ comp for first responders and health care workers who contract the virus. We know there is a lot more to do and it can’t happen soon enough. I want to thank you for your patience as we use technology to do our jobs differently. We are committed to ensuring that the public has access to and can participate in their state government. Continue reading “Rep. Samantha Vang (HD40B) Update: April 14, 2020”

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: April 13, 2020

Neighbors,

I want to start by again thanking our community for adhering to the “Stay at Home” order. The numbers tell us that our efforts are working, but the science also shows the need for us to continue our efforts. Last week, Governor Walz extended the order until May 4, a decision that’s in line with the recommendations of public health officials and effective measures that we’ve seen around the world.

Update Stay Home

For any questions you might have about the “Stay at Home” order, you can find a list of FAQs here, including when you can and should leave your home, and what services remain open. Continue reading “Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: April 13, 2020”

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: April 3, 2020

Neighbors,

I hope you’re staying healthy and staying home. I know the “Stay at Home” order is a challenge, but I want to thank the vast majority of our community that is doing a remarkable job in doing their part. We’re buying time for our health care professionals to properly prepare for and respond to COVID-19, and in the end we’re saving lives.

Today, Governor Walz gave a transparent and data-driven update of where we currently are in Minnesota. There’s plenty of good news, but he also didn’t pull any punches of what’s at stake. It’s a very honest presentation of what Minnesota needs, and you can watch it here.

Governor Walz also launched a newly created website focused solely on consolidating the information and resources available to Minnesotans on COVID-19. The most recent data, best practices, FAQs, and more can be found at https://mn.gov/covid19/. Continue reading “Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: April 3, 2020”

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 28, 2020

Neighbors,

Last night, the “Stay at Home” Executive Order began, and it is scheduled to last until Friday, April 10. For many, these next two weeks will be difficult, but I want to emphasize that precious time will be bought by slowing the spread of COVID-19 and allowing our health care professionals the ability to prepare for and treat Minnesotans with the virus.

Stay At Home Can/Should Not

Continue reading “Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 28, 2020”

Rep. Samantha Vang (HD40B) Update: March 27, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday, the Legislature approved a new package of economic aid for small businesses, workers, childcare providers, and other Minnesotans who are experiencing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government is expected to approve a sweeping economic stimulus, and we will soon learn what it means for Minnesota.

These are the first steps in what will need to be a long-term, comprehensive plan to help Minnesotans. This is an unprecedented public health crisis that will have an unpredictable and lasting impact on our state. Please continue to care for each other, treat each other with kindness, and do your part to follow public health guidelines.

My office is a resource that is available to help you navigate public agencies that are providing financial support. If you call my office at 651-296-3709 please be prepared to leave a voicemail message and include your full contact information (House staff are tele-commuting in order to comply with public health guidelines). You can also send an email to rep.samantha.vang@house.mn. Continue reading “Rep. Samantha Vang (HD40B) Update: March 27, 2020”

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 19, 2020

Neighbors,

I hope you and your loved ones are faring well during these challenging times. Major changes to how we live our lives have been happening in quick succession, and I know the uncertainty can be one of the hardest things to deal with right now. At the State Capitol, we’re continuing to work on ways to make sure Minnesota remains strong during and after this pandemic, and I take solace in the ways I’ve seen our community and state band together as we weather this storm.

Here’s a quick update on what we’ve been working on, as well as information on some helpful resources.

Emergency Support for Health Care

In the early hours of Tuesday, the Minnesota House and Senate passed our latest bill in response to the coronavirus. The bill, now law, allocates $200 million toward an emergency and long-term grant program, designed to respond to the needs of health care and long-term care facilities. Continue reading “Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 19, 2020”

Rep. Michael V. Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 13, 2020

Neighbors,

This week at the State Capitol, much of our work has been dedicated to ensuring that Minnesota is prepared for COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. Following the first case of COVID-19 in the state last Friday, the Minnesota Legislature acted swiftly and unanimously to pass $20.8 million in investments for the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). We have amazing public health professionals in our state, and these funds will help them combat this virus.

Today, Governor Walz declared a peacetime state of emergency, emphasizing the need to deploy community mitigation strategies (canceling large events, avoiding crowds and travel, keeping substantial space between you and others). This is a quickly evolving situation, but these recommendations don’t mean that healthy Minnesotans should bar themselves from leaving their home entirely, rather that practical measures should be taken to prevent the contraction and spread of COVID-19. Continue reading “Rep. Michael V. Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 13, 2020”

Rep. Samanthan Vang (HD40B) Update: March 12, 2020

Neighbors,

The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve by the hour. We all have a role to play in preventing its spread to keep our neighbors and community safe. As we are likely to face increasing challenges, the legislature’s responsibility is to ensure Minnesota is prepared to respond. We are taking proactive and thoughtful action to address this issue.

Public health officials in Minnesota are working around the clock to prepare for and stop the spread of COVID-19. At the Capitol, the House, Senate, Department of Health (MDH), and Governor’s Office are in near-constant communication to ensure we can quickly work to prevent further outbreak.

On March 10, Governor Tim Walz signed into law legislation that authorizes nearly $21 million for our public health response to COVID-19. I’m proud that the legislature moved quickly and collaboratively (the funding passed with unanimous support in both the House and Senate) to provide the Minnesota Department of Health with additional resources. But there is more we need to do. Continue reading “Rep. Samanthan Vang (HD40B) Update: March 12, 2020”

Rep. Michael V. Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 6, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

The week at the State Capitol saw several important updates from Governor Walz, as well as another impactful piece of legislation being passed off the House floor. Here’s a quick update from St. Paul:

Paid Family & Medical Leave

Similar to the bills we passed last week, the Paid Family & Medical Leave Act was a bill that was previously passed by the Minnesota House, only to be blocked by leadership in the Minnesota Senate. I believe every Minnesotan deserves the opportunity to bond with a newborn, care for a family member, or deal with their own illness without risking their paycheck, and that’s why I voted to pass this bill last night.

x Continue reading “Rep. Michael V. Nelson (HD40A) Update: March 6, 2020”

Rep. Samantha Vang (HD40B) Update: March 5, 2020

Neighbors,

It’s been a busy two weeks at the Capitol! We passed several important bills that will now go on to the Senate.

We need to hold insulin manufacturers accountable for the outrageous, skyrocketing price of the drug that thousands of Minnesotans need to survive. One in four diabetics report rationing their insulin because of the cost, which puts lives in danger.

The bill the House passed meets the goals of ensuring Minnesotans have emergency access to insulin and access to affordable insulin over the long-term. It holds pharmaceutical companies accountable by requiring them to participate in funding the program, and it can be set up quickly. Now the bill goes to the Republican-led Senate.

Insulin Cost Graph

The 2020 Census

In March and April of this year, the U.S. Census Bureau will mail information to nearly every home about the 2020 Census. The census provides critical data that directly impacts our community’s representation and federal funding that supports hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources. It’s important that you and your household are accurately counted, and that you respond online, by mail, or by phone.

If you watch for the census materials in the mail and fill it out and return it when you receive it, then you do not need to answer the door to a Census Field Employee. By law, information they collect cannot be shared with anyone, including land lords, social workers, law enforcement, or employers. More information is available here.

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Questions about Coronavirus

I am hearing from many Minnesotans who want to know more about what we are doing to address the spread of COVID-19, a viral respiratory illness often referred to as the Coronavirus. Minnesota is well prepared to effectively respond to an outbreak. Click here to read more specifics about what’s happening. You can also review a March 2 Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) briefing here.

There are currently no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Minnesota, but experts are telling us it’s not a matter of “if” but “when.” MDH’s labs are prepared to test patients for the condition. There are basic precautions we can all take to prevent the spread of COVID-19. First thing’s first: wash your hands thoroughly. It may seem like common sense, but washing your hands for at least 20 seconds is critical to effectively remove microbiological bacteria. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and be sure to cover your cough with your sleeve or elbow. Lastly, if you’re sick: stay home.

If you or anyone in your community is concerned or seeking more information, please get in touch with my office. You can find my full contact information online at www.house.mn/40b.

Keep your phone calls and emails coming! I always enjoy hearing from you. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page here.

Sincerely,

Rep. Samantha Vang