Dear Neighbors,
This week, Governor Walz announced an extension of the Stay at Home Order, asking Minnesotans to limit their movements outside of their home, until May 18. As a part of this executive action, small retailers will be able to conduct business safely via curbside pickup starting Monday.
Additionally, the governor has recommended that Minnesotans should wear a mask whenever leaving the house. You might have heard that several businesses are starting to implement a mask policy for customers, including Costco.
I have received many questions about how we can safely resume medical procedures and other types of basic care amid the pandemic. One of these specifically is allowing for elective surgeries to resume. We are on track to accomplish this. The Governor and Minnesota Department of Health are taking public comment to draft guidance and help in the decision-making process. MDH is asking for public comment through May 2nd. You can share your input online here.
Legislative Action
This week, the House outlined our economic security plan to assist Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. A few of the key priorities we are focusing on are: housing assistance for renters and homeowners; ensuring full pay for hourly school workers; enacting a well-deserved and overdue raise for personal care assistants who care for vulnerable Minnesotans; improving access to broadband internet; and making modest investments in low-income working Minnesotans to the Minnesota Family Investment Program.
I’m also pleased to share my bill to invest in the Small Business Emergency Loan Program– which will target relief toward our smallest mom and pop shops – is now headed to the House Floor after approval from the Ways and Means Committee this morning.
Census Update
Good news! I’m pleased to share that our communities have surpassed the state average of U.S. Census self-responses! Coon Rapids’ self-response rate is 76.1% and Champlin’s is 79.1%. Minnesota’s self-response rate is currently at 66.2%.
Now more than ever, our hospitals will rely heavily on federal funds to keep our health care infrastructure stable and strong as our frontline workers continue the fight against COVID-19. If you haven’t already filled out your census form, you still can online.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to contact me anytime with feedback or ideas. Don’t hesitate to let me know how I can be of assistance to you and your family. My cell phone number is: 763-370-9000.
Thank you for the honor of representing our Champlin and Coon Rapids neighborhoods at the state legislature.
Sincerely,
Zack Stephenson
State Representative