Category: SD50

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday, the Minnesota Legislature convened to pass a package of legislation to address the health and economic security that Minnesotans deserve during this public health crisis. Here is a summary of some of those provisions:

• Grants to support child care providers who are struggling to stay open while providing essential care for children, especially for families of health care workers.
• Hunger relief funding to address food bank, food shelf, and transportation needs during the pandemic.
• Homelessness prevention funding, such as emergency services grants and resources to protect the health of our homeless and the staff working to address their safety.
• Grants and loans to support our struggling small businesses with 250 employees or less.
• Extensions to renew expired drivers licenses and other permits that cannot be updated during the Governor’s “Stay at Home” order.
• Creation of a COVID-19 fund that gives Governor Walz  and our state agencies the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed most to respond to this pandemic.

Continue reading “Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: March 27, 2020”

Dear Neighbors, As the confirmed cases and hospitalizations of COVID-19 continue to grow in Minnesota, today, Governor Walz took steps to formalize what many of us have already been practicing to help “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of the virus. In addition to extending school closures to May 4, and the closures of bars, restaurants, and public venues until May 1, Governor Walz announced the “Stay at Home” Executive Order, ordering Minnesotans to stay home from Friday, March 27, at 11:59pm through Friday, April 10, at 5:00pm.

Continue reading “Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: March 25, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

Today’s news surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic brought the heavy update of 235 confirmed cases in Minnesota, and the first death as a result of the virus in the state, which occured over the weekend.

This morning, Governor Walz self-quarantined after coming in contact with COVID-19, and Sen. Klobuchar’s husband has tested positive for the virus. While both Governor Walz and Sen. Klobuchar do not have symptoms, their experiences, and the growing list of stories we hear about daily, emphasize the need to take COVID-19 and the measures to curb the spread seriously. The best thing many of us can do is simply stay home.

Continue reading “Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: March 23, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

In the midst of the COVID-19 global epidemic, our efforts at the State Capitol continue to focus on ways to prepare for and address the virus. Our most recent work has largely been on ensuring Minnesota’s public health system is properly funded, and while that will always be a priority, we need to start seriously thinking about the other ways this pandemic is impacting the lives of Minnesotans.

One piece of legislation I’m working on would place a statewide moratorium on evictions while also providing emergency housing assistance to thousands of Minnesotans who may face housing instability during epidemic.

Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans may face housing instability by the end of this month, threatening their own security, wellbeing and the health of the public. Some of Minnesota’s most vulnerable, people with disabilities and seniors, are at risk. It is vital that we respond proactively to this looming housing crisis to ensure all Minnesotans can stay in their homes, stay safe, and in turn, help keep all of us safe. Continue reading “Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: March 19, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

These next few weeks or months will be trying times for many of us, but by following the advice of our health professionals and through responsive action, we will get through this together. Our state government is taking action to slow the spread of COVID-19 and each and every one of us can do our part in this collective effort to save lives.

Here are a few updates: Continue reading “Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: March 16, 2020”