Minneapolis Veterans Home Tour
Last week I had the privilege to tour the Minneapolis Veterans Home. The tour focused on the urgent need to rehabilitate building 6, which would provide up to 39 new spaces for Minnesota’s veterans in need of a home.
Approximately 800 Minnesota veterans are on a waiting list to get into The Minneapolis Veterans Home. The total request of $13.5 million would rehabilitate the building, creating a dormitory including 39 rooms for veterans. If the state funding were secured, an additional $27 million in federal funds could be unlocked to make other repairs and modernize the building. While the proposal was not included in the Governor’s initial bonding bill, I will continue to advocate for its inclusion either through bonding or general fund dollars.
The Twin Cities area has the largest population of veterans seeking admittance to a veteran’s home, and we cannot forget where the greatest need is and how we can best serve the most significant number of veterans.
i want to thank Representative Rob Ecklund (DFL-International Falls), Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke, and Minneapolis Veterans Home Administrator Thomas Paul for joining me.
Real ID
I would just like to remind everyone that beginning Oct. 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID,passport or passport card, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States or enter federal facilities. Apply
for REAL ID or enhanced driver’s license NOW to avoid the rush as
the deadline approaches.
If you or someone you know plans to apply for a REAL ID, start
at drive.mn.gov.
Coronavirus (COVID – 19)
The Center for Disease warns of a potential pandemic as cases of the Coronavirus or COVID-19 in the US and around the world continue to rise rapidly. The virus originated from Wuhan, China and spread internationally causing outbreaks in Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Italy. The disease is believed to spread through close person-to-person contact with those infected and respiratory droplets produced when someone coughs or sneezes. The systems of COVID-19 resemble the flu and can range in severity from mild to severe, including a risk of fatality. Cases of the virus have been reported in more than 10 different US states, including Wisconsin and Illinois.
There are simple measures that everyone can take to help protect themselves and others around them. Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm reminds Minnesotans that the best way to prevent the spread is by washing your hands thoroughly, avoiding touching your face, and covering your cough. Additional preventative measures as well as more information about the virus can be found here on the Minnesota Department of Health’s website. COVID-19 is likely to spread to Minnesota; let’s keep our communities safe by doing what we can to stay healthy and up to date about the virus. Click Here to learn more about the virus and get updated on the current situation. (S.F. 3813)
If you have any questions or wish to unsubscribe from this Newsletter please feel free to contact my office at 651-296-2556 or by email at sen.jerry.newton@senate.mn.
Thank you and have a great weekend,
Jerry Newton
State Senator
District 37