Category: SD44

Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: May 1, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Governor Walz announced yesterday that the stay at home order will remain in effect until Monday, May 18. The extended order has been modified to get more Minnesotans safely back to work. Starting on May 4, retail shops and non-critical businesses can start offering curbside pickup and delivery. More details are available here.

Extended Order

Our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 are working. People are staying home, staying safe, and giving public health officials time to prepare for the worst of the pandemic. We need to stick with it while increasing our state’s ability to test, trace, and isolate cases. This is the best way to keep Minnesotans safe as we start reopening parts of our economy and society.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Available

Unemployment assistance is now available for self-employed workers, independent contractors, and others who aren’t eligible for regular unemployment benefits. Last week, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) finished implementing the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program and began making payments to eligible workers.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

If you’ve already applied for regular unemployment benefits, you don’t need to do anything extra to qualify for PUA. DEED will contact you if you’re eligible for these benefits. If you haven’t applied yet, special instructions for self-employed people and independent contractors are available here. Additional information, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found here.

Share Your Input on Resuming Elective Surgeries

Necessary surgeries and treatment have continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, but elective procedures have been put on hold. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has been working hard to allow elective surgeries to resume while preserving personal protective equipment (PPE) and hospital capacity. MDH is asking Minnesotans to provide feedback as they develop guidance for elective procedures. You can share your input here until Saturday, May 2.

Mask Drive Update

Minnesotans donated more than 137,430 masks during the statewide drive that I mentioned in my last email! These masks will be delivered to local congregate living facilities across the state.

Mask Drive

I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of assistance during these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Patty Acomb
State Representative

Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: April 24, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

On Wednesday, Governor Walz and leaders from Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, Hennepin Healthcare, and other health care providers announced a plan to dramatically increase COVID-19 testing. Thanks to this new partnership, our state will be able to test everyone with COVID-19 symptoms (as many as 20,000 Minnesotans per day), isolate confirmed cases, and expand public health surveillance tools.

testing breakthrough

Rapid, widespread testing will help us build a better picture of how COVID-19 is impacting Minnesota. It’s a vital step towards better controlling the virus and safely reopening our society. You can read more about the testing breakthrough here. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: April 24, 2020”

Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: April 17, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you’re all staying healthy and staying home. This week, my colleagues and I passed three important bills to assist Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act

The cost of insulin has skyrocketed in the last 10 years, forcing thousands of people to ration the lifesaving medicine. On Tuesday, we passed the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, legislation that will help Minnesotans get the insulin they need at a price they can afford. Many Minnesotans fought tirelessly for this important legislation, and I was honored to vote for it.

Acomb 4.17 (1)

The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which is named after a young man who lost his life because he was forced to ration insulin due to the cost, ensures that people who can’t afford their insulin and are in urgent need can access an emergency 30-day supply at their pharmacy for a co-pay of $35. It also includes measures to help those who need long-term assistance. You can find more information here. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: April 17, 2020”

Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: April 10, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you and your loved ones are doing well during this challenging time. My colleagues and I know that many Minnesotans are struggling right now, and we’re doing what we can to help.

Extended Stay at Home Order

As you may have heard, Governor Walz has extended the stay at home order until May 4. This extension will help slow the spread of COVID-19 and give our state more time to increase the capacity of the health care system. Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about what this means for you, your family, and your business.

Stay Home MN Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: April 10, 2020”

Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: April 4, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

These are truly unprecedented times that can feel overwhelming. It is my hope that you have been able to take advantage of the nice weather and take a walk or just enjoy the fresh air.  I certainly hope you’ve been able to stay connected to your family, friends, and neighbors despite the need to be physically apart at this time. It is more important than ever for Minnesotans to reach out to others, particularly people who are elderly or vulnerable. We will get through this together!

Acomb 4.3 (1)

As the first week of distance learning comes to an end, I’d like to thank all of the educators and staff who made it possible for Minnesota students to continue their studies. I’d also like to send my best wishes to the students and parents taking on this new challenge. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: April 4, 2020”

Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: March 26, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

This afternoon, the Minnesota House and Senate passed important legislation focused on helping Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other things, the bipartisan package of legislation includes loans for small businesses, Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who can’t work, funding for a state COVID-19 fund, support for food and housing security, grants for child care providers who care for the children of health care professionals and other emergency workers, and financial assistance for veterans. More information is available here.

Today’s vote will provide much-needed relief for Minnesotans who are struggling, but there are more issues that we’ll need to address in the coming days, weeks, and months. My colleagues and I are already looking ahead at options to address the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stay at Home Order

Yesterday, Governor Walz issued an executive order directing Minnesotans to stay at home and limit movements outside their homes. The order takes effect on Friday, March 27 at 11:59 p.m. and ends on Friday, April 10 at 5 p.m. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: March 26, 2020”

Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: March 17, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

My colleagues and I are working around the clock with the Governor and public health officials to respond to challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a rapidly evolving situation, so please stay tuned.

School Cancellations and Temporary Closures

Over the weekend, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota schools will be temporarily closed so school administrators and teachers can make long-term plans for the continuity of education and essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools will be closed from Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27, though most of the schools in our area decided to close earlier. During this time, schools will continue providing meals to students in need, mental health services, and care for elementary-age children of health care professionals, first responders, and other emergency workers to ensure Minnesota’s first line of defense against COVID-19 can stay on the job. If you have any questions about school and child care, you can visit www.education.mn.gov or call a state hotline at 651-297-1304.

Yesterday, Governor Walz ordered the temporary closure of Minnesota restaurants and bars. Starting today at 5 p.m., dine-in customers will not be permitted. Takeout and curbside pickup will still be available at many places. Other venues, such as gyms, movie theaters, and museums, will close as well. The Governor is encouraging grocery stores and pharmacies to stay open so Minnesotans can still get the items they need. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: March 17, 2020”

Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: March 13, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Last week, I shared information about what our state was doing to prepare for a potential outbreak of COVID-19, often referred to as the coronavirus. State health officials confirmed Minnesota’s first case of coronavirus on Friday, March 6. This afternoon, Governor Walz declared a peacetime emergency.

Public health officials are working around the clock to prepare for and stop the spread of COVID-19. The House, Senate, Governor’s Office, and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) are in near-constant communication. We’re taking swift, proactive, and thoughtful action to ensure that Minnesota is prepared to respond effectively.

The House and Senate unanimously voted to deliver nearly $21 million in funding for emergency response efforts earlier this week, but more action is needed. Today, Governor Walz unveiled a package of legislation to prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic and provide relief to affected Minnesotans. Many of these bills have already been introduced in the House, and we’ll be working closely with state agencies and experts to enact the measures quickly. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: March 13, 2020”

Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: March 5, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Last week the House passed four bills to help keep Minnesotans safe, healthy, and confident their voting data is protected. Here’s an overview of what we accomplished:

At the Capitol

Expanding Access to Affordable Insulin

Insulin Cost Graph

The cost of insulin has tripled in the last 10 years, and it’s forced one in four people with diabetes to ration their insulin.

The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, the first bill we passed in the House this session, is named after a young man who lost his life because he had to ration insulin after aging out of his parents’ health insurance. Alec’s Bill would help Minnesotans get the insulin they need at a price they can afford in an emergency and long-term. It also holds insulin manufacturers accountable for inflating the cost of lifesaving medications. Now it’s time for our colleagues in the Senate to act. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: March 5, 2020”