Dear Neighbors,
Sunday night, the 2020 Legislative Session adjourned. Though this usually marks the end of our work for the year, the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors make a special session in June highly likely.
When the first COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Minnesota, the Minnesota Legislature was able to produce a swift, bipartisan response to ensure that our public health infrastructure was prepared for the virus. The Legislature delivered funding for public health, resources for health care workers, aid for child care, housing and food security, small business assistance and more.
The House and Senate also approved a package of legislation providing flexibility and resources in a variety of areas during the crisis, including approval of wills and marriage licenses, expanded telemedicine, remote local government meetings, and alternative health care facilities. Should a frontline responder to the virus contract COVID-19, legislators also reached a consensus to better ensure these Minnesotans would receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Governor Walz also signed other important measures into law, including the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act, the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, Tobacco 21 legislation to prevent youth tobacco use, and a bipartisan bill to protect the safety and security of elections.
What’s Next?
While there is no requirement for the legislature to meet until the next legislative session in January, the COVID-19 pandemic, along with unfinished business from this year’s session, make a special session all but a certainty.
Governor Walz has asked for legislative approval to possibly extend the peacetime state of emergency during the pandemic, which means we would likely need to convene for a special session around June 12.
Though a special session can only be called by the governor, what the legislature does with that time is up to us. Regardless of the status of a special session, my colleagues and I in the House DFL will continue to fight for housing assistance for families across the state, a Jobs and Local Projects Bill that creates jobs and strengthens communities, support for our small businesses, and the resources Minnesotans need to weather this pandemic.
Stay Safe Minnesota
With the “Stay at Home” order expired, the newly implemented “Stay Safe” order allows for Minnesotans to gather in groups of 10 or less, and many retail stores are able to operate at 50% capacity, provided they follow public health guidelines. Governor Walz also announced this week that bars and restaurants would be able to open their patios and other forms of outdoor service at reduced capacity starting on June 1.
Salons and barbershops will be able to reopen and operate at 25 percent occupancy. All customers will be strongly encouraged or required to wear masks, make reservations, and follow social distancing practices to keep themselves, other customers, and employees safe. You can find more information about the various phases of the Stay Safe Plan here.
The Stay Safe Plan includes protections for Minnesotans who are concerned about the safety of their workplace. It ensures workers can raise concerns without fear of discrimination or retaliation and protects those who refuse to work under unsafe or unhealthy conditions. If you don’t feel safe at your job, please call the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry at 651-284-5050.
While lifted restrictions are a relief to many, it’s important to remember that the pandemic continues, and the measures we’ve been practicing for the past few months remain incredibly important to keeping Minnesotans safe and healthy. This remains a difficult time for local businesses, and though we’re now able to support them in different ways, we need to remain mindful of public health.
Stay Connected
Minnesota’s COVID-19 Dashboard remains the best source for accurate, updated information. House Speaker Melissa Hortman announced the formation of a Select Committee on Minnesota’s Pandemic Response and Rebuilding to explore the pandemic’s impacts and address any issues that may arise, which had its first meeting this week. You can follow the committee’s work here.
There’s a lot we don’t know about the status of our future legislative work right now, but I’ll continue to update you as I learn more. Please feel free to continue to reach out to me with any questions or comments you have on our accomplishments this session, or what the future holds. You can reach me at rep.andrew.carlson@house.mn or leave a voicemail at (651) 296-4218. You can also follow along on my Facebook Page. It’s an honor to represent you in the Minnesota House, and I appreciate your input.
Sincerely,
Andrew Carlson
State Representative