NOTE: This update arrived after our last post of the day. The tomorrow in the first sentence is actually today, April 14, 2020.
Dear Neighbors,
Tomorrow, the Minnesota Legislature will meet to pass additional legislation to bolster our state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like last week, legislators will be voting remotely in an effort to adhere to the social distancing guidelines recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health. You’ll be able to watch the action on the House floor the same as me, through the livestream that will be available here, starting at noon.
Last week, we passed a bipartisan bill to ensure that Minnesota’s health care and public safety officials have access to the workers’ compensation they deserve in the event that they contract COVID-19. These are vulnerable, exposed jobs, and we need to support the professions that in turn support our state; the nurses, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, child care workers, and corrections officers.
Stay Safe, #StayHomeMN
Governor Walz has extended the “Stay at Home” order to May 4, along with the order closing public venues. It’s a decision no one takes lightly, but the data shows that what Minnesotans are doing is working. We’re flattening the curve and buying time for our health care workers to address COVID-19 in a way that will save lives.
I want to continue to recognize that our community is doing an amazing job of staying home and protecting our neighbors. For any questions you might have about the “Stay and Home” order, you can find a list of FAQs here, including when you can and should leave your home, and what services remain open. You can find relevant and hyper-local information from Eden Prairie city leadership here. City parks and trails remain open, but playgrounds are closed. You can also find a compilation of Minnesota’s COVID-19 data and resources here.
Discrimination Helpline
No one deserves to be targeted based on their background. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in instances of discrimination against people of Asian descent in Minnesota and across the country. The Minnesota Department of Human Rights launched a new Discrimination Helpline to help protect the civil rights of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesotans who experience or witness discrimination can report incidents by calling 1-833-454-0148 or filling out an online form here.
Student Resources
I know many homes, including my own, are currently serving as both makeshift offices and classrooms. It can certainly be a balancing act, but there are some helpful and informative resources out there. To adapt to the times, the Eden Prairie Library will be offering a curbside pickup service starting today! You can find more information on that service here.
The Minnesota Historical Society is also offering History at Home, an online compilation of resources all about the history of our state. With videos, magazines, and activity pages, it’s another great educational website to bookmark!
Severe Weather Awareness Week
As we’ve seen, weather can change between extremes quickly in Minnesota. This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week, with statewide tornado drills Thursday afternoon.
Families, neighborhoods and businesses are encouraged to review and practice emergency plans in preparation for the upcoming severe weather season. You can find more information here.
Stay Connected
While our celebrations may have been different this year, I hope that our neighbors who observe Easter or Passover had a blessed holiday. Our kids enjoyed an Easter egg hunt in the snow! Over the last week, it’s been a joy to connect with a number of you via email and over the phone. I appreciate your positive outlook and your participation in our legislative process.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions on our work in the Minnesota House or the resources that are available in our community. You can reach me at rep.carlie.kotyza-witthuhn@house.mn or at (651) 296-7449. You can also ‘like’ and follow my official Facebook Page. I look forward to hearing from you.
Be well. We’re all in this together,
Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn
State Representative