Dear Neighbors,
Early this week, the Minnesota Legislature unanimously passed a sweeping bill designed to prepare our hospitals for the COVID 19 epidemic. We worked all day long and deep into the night, with the final vote coming at 3:30 am. The situation was made all the more sober by the fact that we had to alter our voting procedure to follow the MDH social distancing guidelines. As you can see on my Facebook post, we can’t all fit on the House floor and stay six feet away from each other, so about half of us had to monitor the debate from the gallery or the hallway, only briefly entering the chamber itself when it was our turn to vote.
BLOOD DRIVE
The COVID-19 epidemic has caused a critical shortage in Minnesota’s blood and platelet supply. I know our community is eager to come together as we confront the COVID-19 crisis and so I am sponsoring a blood drive at the Coon Rapids location of Memorial Blood Centers.
You can help by giving blood now. Memorial Blood Centers is equipped to take donations in a way that will protect your health and follow MDH’s social distancing guidelines. Call 612.398.9304 or email rkatkar@mbc.org to set up your appointment.
UNMPLOYMENT RESOURCES
The economic devastation caused by the COVID 19 outbreak is widespread and severe. Here at the Legislature, we are working on a response package. In the short run, the Governor has already expanded and modified the unemployment insurance program to reach more people more quickly. If you have lost your job, or your hours have been reduced, apply online at www.uimn.org. If you have any difficulty with your application, contact me directly on my cell phone: 763.370.9000 or by email at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn. It is my job to help.
In terms of the response package, I am focused on helping the people most harmed by the epidemic. In particular, I want to support the employees in our state’s hospitality industry, many of whom were economically vulnerable even before the crisis.
AARP TELE-TOWN HALLS
AARP will host a weekly live Coronavirus Information Tele-Town Hall on Thursdays at 12 p.m. (CST). The next call will be tomorrow, Thursday, March 19, at noon.Government officials will answer your questions about avoiding coronavirus scams and providing resources for family caregivers. Call toll-free 855-274-9507 to join the live event. You can also listen to the live stream using this link during the event.
Below is a timeline on where things stand at the state government level as of today (Wednesday, March 18), including actions already taken by the Legislature and the governor, and current measures we are advancing to support workers, employers, and health care providers.
Stay well,
Zack Stephenson
State Representative
Timeline of State Government Response
-On Friday, March 6, public health officials confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Minnesota.
-On Monday, March 9, the Legislature unanimously approved a $21 million appropriation for Minnesota’s public health response contingency account, and Governor Walz signed the bill into law Tuesday, March 10.
-On Wednesday, March 11, the Minnesota House announced additional COVID-19 preparedness legislation, including no/low-interest loans to providers, clinics, facilities, health systems; expanding eligibility for Unemployment Insurance and paid leave; compensating hourly school workers for COVID-related closures; banning price gouging of food and other household necessities; and reducing financial barriers for Minnesotans who need testing and treatment.
-On Friday, March 13, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 20-01 declaring a peacetime emergency in Minnesota and unveiled legislative proposals to prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic (largely similar to proposals introduced by the House). These actions came in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Healthannouncing community mitigation strategies to limit the spread of the virus.
-On Sunday, March 15, Governor Walz signed Executive Order 20-02, authorizing thetemporary closure of Minnesota K-12 public schools to students in order for school administrators and teachers to make long-term plans for the continuity of education and essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools will be closed to students from Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27 to accommodate this planning between school staff, teachers, and administrators with guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Executive Order 20-02 requires schools to provide care for elementary-age children of health care professionals, first responders, and other emergency workers during previously planned school days to ensure Minnesota’s first line of defense against COVID-19 can stay on the job. It also makes provisions for the continuity of mental health services and requires schools to continue providing meals to students in need.
-On Monday, March 16, the four legislative leaders from both political parties and chambers announced major changes to public access and legislative operations at the State Capitol to protect Minnesotans’ health. Please be assured, legislators are continuing to work around the clock to respond to this crisis in a variety of ways, but we’re doing so in ways that ensure we are in compliance with public health guidelines.
-Later on Monday, Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 20-04 to order the temporary closure of Minnesota restaurants and bars to dine-in customers. He also ordered the temporary closure of other places of public accommodation and amusement, including theaters, museums, fitness centers, and community clubs. In an effort to support the many Minnesotans affected by these closures, the Governor signed Executive Order 20-05 to strengthen Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and allow payment of unemployment benefits immediately.
-Early morning Tuesday, March 17, lawmakers approved a measure delivering $200 million in investments for a health care response fund and Minnesota’s public health response contingency account. This new law allocates $200 million toward an emergency and long-term grant program, designed to respond to the needs of health care and long-term care facilities. Governor Walz has signed this into law. You can read more about the new law, and how we’re adapting at the Legislature, here.