Category: SD49

Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: March 27, 2020

From the floor this week:

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We cannot afford to have our child care centers close for good. Our essential workers need child care to support our communities during this pandemic – I stood on the Senate floor in support of the families of our essential workers, and I’m proud this legislation passed.

A message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

Things are 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. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: March 27, 2020”

Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 27, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

A lot is continuing to happen at the Legislature. We are working together and taking critical actions to make sure Minnesota can get through this crisis. Here are some developments you should be aware of.

House approves funding for emergency COVID-19 bills
Yesterday I voted with my colleagues to approve a package of emergency COVID-19 bills to help protect Minnesotans’ health and economic security. The legislation passed today includes, among other things, $9 million to the Department of Human Services for food security, $26.5 million for the Emergency Service Grants program to provide shelter for Minnesota’s homeless population, $30 million in one-time grants to child care providers, $10 million for small business loans, financial relief for Minnesota’s workers, and the necessary flexibility for state agencies to respond to the pandemic.

adfgad Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 27, 2020”

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 25, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

A lot is changing every single day as we navigate how best to protect our state from COVID-19. These changes are not easy on any of us and each decision is being weighed heavily. I want you to first know I am here for you and your families.

Today Governor Walz issued a “Stay at Home” executive order effective Friday, March 27 at 11:59 p.m. until April 10 at 5:00 p.m.

Minnesotans may leave their homes only to perform any of the following activities, and while doing so, they should practice social distancing: Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 25, 2020”

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 24, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

The Walz Administration’s daily news briefing is scheduled for today at 2:00 p.m.The conference call will be broadcast live on MPR and you can tune in here www.mprnews.org/listen.

Yesterday, Governor Walz signed a new Executive Order that provides economic security for Minnesota small business owners and independent contractors who are encountering financial hardship due to COVID-19. The executive action established a new no-interest, 50% forgivable loan program for small businesses.

I’ve provided more details of the loan program’s mechanics below. Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 24, 2020”

Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 23, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

The situation surrounding COVID-19 remains fluid and is changing by the day. Here are some important developments that you may have missed. And remember, please stay home if you can.

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Governor Walz signs executive orders to halt evictions

This afternoon Governor Walz signed executive order 20-14 which will halt all evictions during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Evictions are especially devastating at a time like this not only because so many of us are financially insecure, but an increase in unhoused people during a pandemic would worsen the public health crisis. The order specifies that those of use who are still able to pay rent must do so. This order will give thousands of Minnesotans the respite they need to get through this crisis. You can read more about the order here. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 23, 2020”

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 20, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

This week, Governor Walz ordered the temporary closure of bars, restaurants, and most other gathering places. Many Minnesotans – workers and business owners alike – are experiencing a deep and sudden financial hardship as a result of these closures. To address these, the Governor issued an executive order to provide for immediate payment of unemployment insurance benefits. To apply for Unemployment Insurance, visit http://www.uimn.org

Yesterday, Gov. Walz announced that businesses will have a one-month interest and penalty-free grace period on the deadline to file sales taxes, which will help alleviate financial strain businesses are facing from COVID-19. Our small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and community. If you’re a small business owner, or know someone who is an employer, please review and share the resources below from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development: Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 20, 2020”

Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 19, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Here are some of the most recent developments related to COVID-19. A lot of important work is being done to see us through these uncertain times. Minnesota is continuing to be a leader in response to this pandemic.

Governor Walz issues more executive orders

Yesterday morning the governor issued three additional executive orders addressing the Covid-19 outbreak. Today, Governor Walz has issued Executive Order 20-03, Executive Order 20-06, and Executive 20-07 to further strengthen Minnesota’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The executive orders protect residents of Veterans Homes; exempt vehicles and drivers from certain regulations to ensure efficient emergency supply relief throughout the state; and provide paid leave and other support for state employees, respectively.

Minnesota Department of Revenue suspends sales tax for certain businesses. 

Here is a statement from the MN Department of Revenue: Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 19, 2020”

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 17. 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Early this morning, my colleagues and I reached a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on a bill to provide emergency funding to help hospitals and providers respond to COVID-19. The bill (SF 4334) received unanimous approval in the House and Senate. Click here for non-partisan coverage of the vote from Minnesota House Public Information Services.

The bill appropriates $150 million to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to make grants to eligible providers for costs related to planning for, preparing for, or responding to an outbreak of COVID-19; fund the establishment and operation of temporary sites to provide testing services, to provide treatment beds, or to isolate or quarantine affected individuals, to respond to an outbreak of COVID-19; and administer the grant program. The bill defines an “eligible provider” as an ambulance service; health care provider; health care clinic; pharmacy; health care facility or long-term care facility, including but not limited to a hospital, nursing facility, or setting where assisted living services or health care services are or may be provided; or health system. Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 17. 2020”

Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 17, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Early this morning the House moved to adjourn until April 14th, but not before we voted to set aside emergency funding for a COVID response. The House and Senate will meet in floor and committee sessions on an on-call basis through April 14. During this time period, the Legislature will only take up legislation on the House and Senate floors by agreement of the House DFL, House GOP, Senate DFL and Senate GOP caucus leaders

Emergency COVID-19 investment in health care system

We stayed up past midnight last night to pass SF 4334, providing $200 million in investments for the health care response fund and Minnesota’s public health response contingency account. Above all we have a duty to provide our health care system with everything it needs to get us through this safely. The bill provides $150 million to the Minnesota Department of Health to make grants to eligible providers for costs related to managing COVID-19. As a condition of accepting a grant, the provider must agree not to bill uninsured patients for the cost of COVID-19 screening, testing, or treatment. If a patient is out-of-network, the provider must agree to accept the median network rate as payment in full. The additional $50 million is appropriated to the public health response contingency account, which allows MDH to make flexible payments throughout our healthcare system where needed. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 17, 2020”

Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: March 17, 2020

COVID-19 Video Update

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Dear Constituents and Friends,

I am aware of your concerns and questions about the COVID-19 response here at the Capitol and in Minnesota. This newsletter will hopefully answer your questions and relieve some of your concerns.

As of this writing, public health authorities are aware of 54 cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota. You can call the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 hotline at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with any questions you have.

Governor Walz Issues Declaration to Close Restaurants, Bars, and Other Places of Public Amusement

This evening, Governor Tim Walz signed Executive Order 20-04 to order the temporary closure of Minnesota restaurants and bars to dine-in customers in response to the growing number of positive COVID-19 cases in Minnesota. He also ordered the temporary closure of other places of public accommodation and amusement, including theaters, museums, fitness centers, and community clubs. These changes will go into effect  March 17th at 5pm.

Key points to know: Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: March 17, 2020”