Neighbors,
Every day brings more developments in the COVID-19 pandemic and the state response. We held another remote floor session on Tuesday and approved our fourth COVID-19 relief package to help workers, businesses, and families impacted by this severe public health crisis.
We also overwhelmingly approved the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which establishes an emergency insulin program for the Minnesotans who need it most. Insulin manufacturers are required to financially participate in the solution to a problem they created by tripling the price of the drug over the past decade.
After the vote, I released this statement. Legislation details can be found here. A video recording of the floor debate can be found here. The bill signing news conference and ceremony can be found here.
Thirteen-week unemployment insurance extension implemented
We learned this week the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has fully implemented the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, extending unemployment benefits for eligible applicants for an additional 13 weeks. You can read more here.
Peacetime Emergency in Minnesota Extended
This week, Gov. Walz extended the Peacetime Emergency in Minnesota for 30 days which will allow Minnesota to continue several of the public health and economic relief measures implemented to help Minnesotans get through the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read all of Gov. Walz’s Executive Orders here.
As of today, the Stay at Home executive order is in effect until May 3.
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Also, make sure to check my Google page for a compilation of COVID-19 related information: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1PJvhCdSArNrnAuyyavYoPFRDW4VWwS4M
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You can contact me at rep.erin.koegel@house.mn or (651) 296-5369.
I appreciate the opportunity to serve our district in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Erin Koegel
State Representative