Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: April 17, 2020

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope everyone is keeping in touch with their loved ones while staying safe. As we pass another week of shelter at home I know it is taking a toll on everyone. I still miss the days of sitting down with friends, colleagues and constituents to have conversations and coffee.

Progress is being made and I continue to advocate on behalf of our citizens. Working across the aisle I have pushed as hard as possible promoting safety while at the same time allowing businesses that can function safely to function. It is a careful balance to be struck. The Governor is opening up some outdoor activities that can be done safely which in turn will affect businesses related to those activities.

Safety and caution are still absolute necessities, as we balance that with the need to provide for our families with economic means.

Keep in touch and stay safe.

Sincerely,

John 

Senate passes takeout beer and wine sales at restaurants

I was proud to be the first Co-Author on SF 4489 and work across the aisle with Senator Housley and all of my colleagues in passing this bill on the Senate floor. Bar and restaurant owners asked that the sale of wine and beer be allowed with their curbside takeout orders while they are shut down due to the stay-at-home order. Expanding the sale of beer and wine would boost sales and preserve jobs in an industry that has been hit hard since the shutdown. This is how our legislature should work: Together, listening to the needs of Minnesota Citizens.

The Senate passed the takeout liquor bill and sent it to the House, where they are expected to take it up on April 17. The governor supports the bill and has indicated that he will sign it into law.

The bill allows establishments with on-sale liquor licenses to sell wine, beer, hard seltzer, and cider as off-sale in addition to their takeout food sales for the duration of the peacetime emergency. The alcoholic beverage must be sold in the original, unopened packaging and must be limited to 72 oz in total of beer, seltzer, and cider, and 750 milliliters for wine per order. Establishments must require proof of age, and municipalities may vote to prohibit these sales in their jurisdiction. Establishments that choose to partake in this must inform their insurance provider.

However, not everyone agrees with the bill. A number of microbreweries and micro-distilleries have been asking for temporary relaxing of various liquor laws they must adhere to, such as the limit on how much micro-distilleries can sell and allowing microbreweries to off-sale even if they don’t have a license until the stay-at-home order is lifted. Some of those businesses are seeing this as an affront or favoritism of some sorts as we are relaxing liquor standards for one industry but not others. I agree in this, and will work to get them the same to operate as safely as they can while functioning economically.

Sixteen other states have allowed restaurants and bars to serve liquor at curbside during their stay-at-home orders, including Wisconsin, Illinois, and California. (SF 4489)

Legislature passes the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act

After more than a year of hard work and negotiation, the Minnesota Legislature passed the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act this week to create an emergency insulin access program and ongoing support programs. Governor Walz signed the bill into law shortly after. While we wish this could have happened sooner, Senate DFLers are pleased that many insulin-dependent Minnesotans will no longer have to decide between rationing or going without this life-saving medication.

I am incredibly thankful for the work of advocates across the state who worked tirelessly on this issue to make sure no one dies from a lack of access to affordable insulin. This bill is named after Alec Smith, who died in 2017 at age 26 after being forced to ration his insulin due to the extremely high costs. Alec’s story has sparked a dialogue in Minnesota and put a spotlight on those who lost their lives in the absence of a safety net program that this legislation provides.

The bill requires manufacturers to make insulin available for eligible individuals who are in urgent need of insulin by July 1, 2020. No individual in urgent need will pay more than a $35 copay. Each manufacturer also must maintain an ongoing patient assistance program for qualifying individuals. Pharmacies may charge up to a $50 co-pay for each 90-day supply issued under that program to cover processing and dispensing costs. Manufacturers that fail to comply face initial penalties of $200,000 a month, increasing to $600,000 a month after one year of noncompliance.

Quarterly economic update released

Minnesota Management and Budget released its quarterly economic update last Friday. The information included in the document showed what many had assumed: concerns with the economy as a result of COVID-19 and the actions taken to control its spread. COVID-19 has brought a lot of uncertainty to the global market, and economic forecasts have become more tentative as a result. Forecasts indicate that the U.S. will see a contraction of 5.4% in GDP. The COVID-19 stay at home order has had a large impact, but the collapse of oil markets and the auto industry shutdown has made matters worse.

Typically, legislators have used the February forecast to develop a budget. However, the calculations for producing that forecast are flawed given the dramatic change in the realities of our current economic environment. Minnesota Management and Budget will be taking the unusual step of providing the Legislature with an updated forecast in May which will provide legislators and Governor Walz with an updated look at our budget.

Governor Walz has taken some steps to limit the impact of the forecast by reducing his senior staffs’ salary and agency commissioners by 10%. Some legislators may also start looking at agency budgets in anticipation of a poor updated forecast. As we continue to navigate this pandemic, Senate DFLers will continue to advocate for the economic security of Minnesotans across the state.

An update on the status of bonding legislation

Much of the focus for this session has been on the state’s response to COVID-19. However, DFLers are still focused on passing a large bonding bill to ensure we meet the needs of our citizens. The state maintenance backlog is substantial, and it will require significant resources if we hope to maintain our current assets.

Communities across the state are also facing the prospect of replacing aging water and wastewater infrastructure. That cost of replacement is prohibitive for some municipalities. As a result, they have reached out to the state for help. Much of this help has historically been carried within the bonding bill.

Another advantage of a bonding bill is it the jobs it creates across the state. These additional paychecks support families and the businesses they rely on. These jobs are significant no matter the economic circumstances but especially now, considering the economic turmoil COVID-19 has created in the state and across the country.

In the coming days and weeks, we will continue to reach out to Senate Republicans to avoid a bill being put together at the last minute with little public input. Instead of putting a bill together in the final hours of session, it is our hope that we can change past practices to ensure we have a thoroughly vetted bill that includes public engagement as the bill is being put together.

School hourly workers still without pay assurance; lay-off notices go out

School hourly workers are waiting for pay assurances from the Legislature just as lay-off notices are going out from local school districts. The Senate Republican amendment discussed on Wednesday did not include the pay provision even though the House version will cover some of these lowest-paid workers in Minnesota schools.

Senate Education Committee members proposed including the hourly worker provisions as well as teacher testing and graduation and grade advancement reassurances at the Wednesday meeting.

Hourly workers have a variety of positions in a school district. Their roles include, but are not limited to, instructional assistants, Title I paraprofessionals, pupil support assistants, special education paraprofessionals, job coaches, lunchroom and playground assistants, hall monitors, media center assistants, and health office assistants. Hourly workers make up 20,000 school employees across the state.

Despite the Governor’s Executive Order and MDE guidance encouraging districts to pay hourly workers, it hasn’t happened in all districts. Districts can lay-off school employees in fee-based programs. This includes at a minimum community education programs, nutrition programs, some preschool programs, and coaches.

Keeping educators employed keeps them in our schools supporting our community and students and off the growing unemployment rolls. Educators who are laid off may not return to schools to work next fall. This could be problematic for districts. Laid off employees are also likely to lose any health benefits they have, endangering their health and the health of their families and communities during a pandemic.

Legislature passes bill to cover COVID testing and diagnosis costs for uninsured

The Legislature passed a series of policy proposals this week to provide more relief to Minnesotans during the pandemic. One of these provisions aligned state statute with recent federal changes to provide Medical Assistance (MA) coverage for any COVID testing and the related office visit for uninsured individuals.

The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act permits state Medicaid programs to provide coverage for COVID-19 testing and any associated visit to uninsured residents through a new eligibility group. Senate DFLers know that simply covering the cost of testing is not enough; we must work to ensure those people who test positive have access to health coverage so they can obtain any necessary treatments or services that advance public health goals of preventing further spread of the disease.

Residents who are not eligible for health insurance, like undocumented immigrants, are uniquely vulnerable during the pandemic and have few options for safety net services if they get sick. These populations are disproportionally employed in industries like health care, agriculture, and other high-risk jobs deemed essential to keep society running while others self-isolate.

Many undocumented residents might avoid seeking medical care out of fear that it could jeopardize their pathway to citizenship, though the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services has stated that seeking necessary medical treatment due to COVID-19 symptoms will not negatively impact future public charge analysis. While, the state’s health plans have already agreed to waive cost-sharing charges for in-network hospitalizations for Minnesotans who are hospitalized due to COVID-19, uninsured residents are left with few options.

This virus does not discriminate, and we must do all we can to slow the spread to keep everyone safe. Senate DFLers are committed to making sure that everyone has access to the care they need, regardless of citizenship status, and are hopeful that Republicans in the House and Senate will work on an agreement to protect Minnesotans.

Senate looks at options to support disability service providers and direct care workers

Legislators are exploring ways to help cover fixed costs for disability service providers – who have had to close or severely limit services because of the Stay-Safe-at-Home Executive Order – and increase payment rates for PCAs and direct support workers amid COVID-19.

Many disability providers are struggling to cover their rent, utilities, and other fixed costs as a result of the pandemic. Senate DFLers have been working to find solutions to ensure the state’s day and employment service providers–who offer a range of therapies, skill building opportunities, and employment training–are given help with the fixed costs they are required to pay and are exploring options for alternative billable services. Like many businesses, the revenue of these providers has been severely reduced because of the Stay-at-Home Order, and permanent closures will leave thousands of older adults and people with disabilities with gaps in care.

PCAs are facing an increased risk during the pandemic as their work limits their options to stay at home and self-isolate. PCAs have been historically underpaid, and Minnesota was already facing a severe PCA shortage before the pandemic. In 2018, there were over 5,000 unfilled PCA jobs – jobs necessary to serve over 44,000 individuals in need of PCA services. Now, positions are even harder to fill, and options for overtime and hazard pay are limited.

As we continue to balance the needs of safety and business interests, the Senate is committed to finding solutions for direct care workers and disability service providers to make sure they have the support they need to look after the vulnerable populations who rely on their services.

MDH announces new grant funding available for health care industry

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced that applications are now open for the remaining $150 million in COVID Health Care Response Grants. The funding for this grant program was passed by the Legislature last month.  Learn more about this program and how to apply here.

While there is no deadline for applying, MDH is anticipating many requests for this funding and encourages those interested to apply as soon as possible. Along with hospitals and clinics, providers working in ambulance services, pharmacies, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities are eligible for these grants. We know that Minnesotans in and out of the health care field are concerned with costs associated with COVID-19, which is why as a condition of accepting a grant, the provider must agree not to bill uninsured patients for the cost of COVID-19 screening, testing, or treatment. If a patient is out-of-network, the provider must agree to accept the median network rate as payment in full.

Some of the activities these grants may be used for include:

•  Establishment and operation of temporary sites to provide testing services, to provide treatment beds, or to isolate or quarantine affected individuals
•  Staff overtime, hiring additional staff, training and orientation
•  Purchasing consumable protective or treatment supplies and equipment to protect or treat staff, visitors, and patients
•  Development and implementation of screening and testing procedures
•  Patient outreach activities
•  Additional emergency transportation of patients
• Temporary IT and systems costs to support patient triage, screening, and telemedicine activities

MDH also announced the recipients of the $50 million in emergency health care grants to address short-term COVID-related needs. This money will go to about 350 organizations statewide, largely to cover costs related to staffing, equipment, and supplies like personal protective equipment. The full list of grantee recipients can be found here.

Unemployment Insurance recipients begin receiving increase in benefits

As part of the CARES Act passed by Congress, those on unemployment will receive an additional $600 dollars per week. After getting guidance from the federal government, the State of Minnesota was one of the first to deploy those checks to eligible individuals last week. A news release issued by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) stated Minnesotans should know several things about the payment:

•  The first week for which you can get the additional $600 is the week beginning March 29
•  You could request the week of March 29 on or after April 5. If you already requested payment for that week, you will get the $600 payment automatically
•  You do not need to contact DEED or do anything to get the additional $600. They will automatically process the additional $600 payment AFTER you request benefits for the week of March 29 (and every week after that you are eligible).
•  You will not see the $600 payment on your online unemployment account. You will only see it on your bank account or your unemployment debit card statement.

DEED is still working with the federal government on releasing benefits (Pandemic Unemployment Insurance) (PUA) for self-employed individuals and coordinating the development of software to ensure people are paid accurately. DEED is suggesting individuals who think they may qualify to apply now. Initially, individuals will be denied by the system, but DEED will flag your account and proactively reach back out once PUA is built and ready to administer the program.

Department of Corrections given funds to combat COVID-19

The Legislature has set up the COVID-19 Minnesota fund, which allows state agencies flexibility in requesting the funds they need to combat the virus.

The Department of Corrections has received $2.255 million from this fund to assist in combating the virus in the state’s correctional facilities. Correctional facilities are often hotspots in a pandemic, as the population is more at risk, and it is difficult to follow all CDC recommendations to reduce the spread of a virus. Despite this challenge, the DOC is working to protect staff and incarcerated individuals.

The money will be used to pay for increased staffing needs, PPE for staff and incarcerated individuals, additional care units and washing stations, medical supplies and medication, indigent supply kits, and other COVID-19 related needs such as paying for video visiting as in-person visiting has been restricted and increased food costs as cafeterias have been closed.

There is urgency to getting these protections in place as Minnesota has seen a number of cases in its corrections facilities, and there are concerns from criminal justice advocates that not enough is being done to combat the virus.

One of the best ways to combat COVID-19 in the corrections system is to reduce the overall population of those in the system, through reducing admissions and releasing individuals in both county and state and federal systems. Many county jails have been releasing low-risk, non-violent offenders with limited time left on their sentences and have been finding other ways to reduce the jail population. The commission of the Department of Corrections has also asked for legislation that would allow the department more flexibility in releasing physically vulnerable and non-violent individuals. Republicans have been reluctant to consider that legislation, but it takes time to transition people and waiting for more cases to appear, as they absolutely will, will cost lives.

All Minnesotans deserve to be safe right now, especially in areas where COVID-19 is more likely to spread or with individuals at a higher risk of complications due to the virus. This is especially true in the corrections system, and Senate DFLers are working to take care of these individuals.

Governor issues executive order to keep first responders safe

Governor Walz issued an executive order this week aimed at assisting first responders in responding to calls. Executive order 20-34 allows the Department of Health to share the addresses of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are still contagious with the state’s Department of Public Safety, 911 dispatchers, and first responders in order to allow first responders to respond appropriately when calls involve a COVID-19 case.

There are a number of safeguards included in the executive order to protect the privacy of Minnesotans. Nothing but addresses are allowed to be shared, and the Department of Health will remove addresses from the list as soon as an individual is no longer contagious. The addresses will not be kept longer than necessary, and to the extent possible 911 dispatchers and first responders will rely on other sources of information, such as a caller screening protocols, before using the shared addresses. Only first responders who need the information to aid in infection control precautions will be given the data, and this data may not be used to refuse or delay a call for service.

Minnesota’s first responders are on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Senate DFLers, along with Governor Walz, are doing everything they can to keep first responders safe and informed.

Latest COVID-19 response bill includes changes for marriage licenses, wills, and more

The Senate passed a fourth COVID-19 response bill this week. Minnesotans are finding difficulties with judiciary matters that typically involve interactions with other people, so the bill made a number of changes to these matters that reflect the social distancing that Minnesotans are using to reduce the spread of the virus.

One of these changes was the ability for couples to apply for marriage licenses electronically. Usually, at least one person in a couple applying for a marriage license must apply in person. The COVID-19 response bill allows counties to waive that requirement during peacetime emergencies, allowing for applications to be accepted by mail, fax, or electronic filing, if the application is signed by both individuals and they’ve been examined under oath. Examination under oath may happen over video or audio, and both individuals have to attest to the legality of the marriage. Counties aren’t required to offer this, so individuals should check with their counties to see if it is an option. (Offices should insert their county office contact information)

Those owing child support see a cost of living adjustment every year. The COLA adjustment may be contested, but it’s typically done in person, and there is a deadline to contest that adjustment. The COVID-19 response bill moved that deadline from May 1, 2020 to June 30, and there is an extension of the deadline until October 31, 2020 if an individual is unable to file a contest before June 30 due to COVID-19.

Minnesotans are also looking to update their wills in light of the global pandemic.

In Minnesota, wills must be written, signed by the individual the will belongs to or their designee, and signed by two witnesses. However, attorneys are seeing challenges in getting wills properly executed, especially with at-risk populations. People don’t want to go to their lawyer’s office and are finding it difficult to get witnesses. This is especially true for people who have been quarantined or are in communal care settings that are effectively in lock-down mode.

Attorneys have been hearing cases of individuals using nonconventional witness options that have not been vetted by the state’s courts. The latest COVID-19 response bill acknowledges this by allowing wills to be probated with errors in execution if the errors are harmless. It’s effective for wills and documents made or changed on or after March 13, 2020 and before February 15, 2021.

The bill also included a stay on certain deadlines for the judicial branch in district and appeals courts.

There are a number of statutory deadlines prescribed for the state’s district and appellate courts prescribed in statute that are difficult to meet right now in light of COVID-19, especially as the judicial system is limiting interactions. This section suspends those deadlines until 60 days after the end of the peacetime emergency.

The section specifically does not prohibit a court from holding a hearing, requiring an appearance, or issuing an order if it’s determined that it’s relevant to public safety, personal safety, or other emergency matters.

The is effective the day after final enactment and applies to all deadlines that hadn’t expired by March 13, 2020, and to deadlines generated on or after that day.

Senate DFLers are committed to keeping Minnesotans safe and informed during this pandemic. We know the stay-at-home order is working, and we are seeing a shift in the curve. Now is not the time to let up on that, but we know that life goes on even while we’re working on keeping everyone safe. We understand this and are working to find additional ways to adapt so that people can take care of the important parts of their life without putting themselves or others at risk.

Legislature approves changes to laws on remote public meeting participation

The fourth round of COVID-19 relief legislation passed this week also brought changes to Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law. With the changes, meetings subject to the state’s open meeting laws will have more guidance for operating virtually – a practice that has become standard during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Going forward, all votes held during a meeting must be conducted by roll call so each member’s vote can be identified and recorded for each issue; additionally, members can be exempt from locating themselves in a public place at the advice of a health care professional during a peacetime emergency. Previously, the only exclusion to the state’s requirement for members to locate in public during the meeting was for those members serving the military who were required at a military function.

Most government-sponsored meetings – such as those held by locally elected bodies like the school board or state government agencies – are required by law to make their meetings accessible to the public. With the developments made in telecommuting technology, the Legislature made modifications to the law last year to make more accommodations for public officials serving in the military, whose military jobs may at times prevent them from attending meetings in person. In light of the COVID pandemic and subsequent social distancing and orders to stay at home, additional updates were needed to ensure public business could continue to move forward with the same level of transparency Minnesotans expect from their officials. (HF 4556)

Thank you and stay safe!

It is my greatest honor to represent you the citizens of Brooklyn Park, Champlin and Coon Rapids here at our great state capitol. In addition to representing you, I absolutely enjoy it when you come visit normally. However, due to the health issues regarding the coronavirus I’d like to inform you of a few changes made at the legislature for the moment.

Currently we are not gathering in the office save for legislative work to protect Minnesota Citizens. I will update you as the situations progresses and changes, but as said above you can still reach out anytime by email and phone.

So stay safe, reach out and tell me what matters to you so I can continue working on your behalf. You can reach me by email at sen.john.hoffman@senate.mn, phone by 651-296-4154.

Sincerely,

Senator John Hoffman

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to call my office at 651-296-4154 or by e-mail at jhoffman@senate.mn

With daily changes in how we as Minnesotans are responding to the ongoing pandemic, here are some resources to help you stay up to date on the latest COVID-related news.

Health and Human Services:

  • Governor Walz’s new Dashboard tracking COVID-19 in Minnesotacan be found HERE
  • Hotline for Health Questions:

Interpreters available/Intérpretes en Español

651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 (7am-7pm daily)
Visit www.health.state.mn.us

  • MNsure enrollment: Governor Walz and MNsure announced a 30-day special enrollment period (SEP) for qualified individuals who are currently without insurance. The SEP opened on March 23 and runs through April 21. It will allow uninsured individuals 30 days to enroll in health insurance coverage through org
  • The Department of Human Services has a number of updates and resources that can be accessed on their website, available HERE. If you are receiving services or would like to see what is available, go online to learn more about the programs and services administered by DHS.

Seniors:

  • If you need help finding alternative services, the Senior LinkAge Line is 1-800-333-2433. Senior LinkAge Line specialists assist seniors in finding the resources and services they need.
  • Alzheimer’s Association of Minnesota-North Dakota
    • 24/7 helpline: 800-272-3900
    • Online resources, virtual community programs, and caregiver tips are available HERE.
  • Leading Age Minnesota has a number of tools & resources for caregivers to utilize, including visitation guidance, information on state and federal funding, and other resources for prevention and monitoring, all of which can be found HERE.

K-12 Education and Childcare:

  • Hotline for School and Childcare questions:
    Interpreters available/Intérpretes en Español

Call 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 (7am-7pm daily)

  • Hotline for Childcare Providers with questions: 1-888-234-1268
  • Updates about K-12 education from the Minnesota Department of Education can be found online HERE
  • Information on childcare for families and providers can be found online HERE

Meals for kids: MDE announced a new app/website that can be used to locate free meals for kids, in addition to what districts are doing: www.hungerimpactpartners.org.

Housing and Employment:

  • Hotline for workers and employers: 651-259-7114 or 800-657-3858, or visit mn.gov/deed
  • Hotlines for housing questions:
    • For single-family residences: 651-296-8215
    • For multi-family residences: 651-297-4455
    • Available Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Apply for unemployment insuranceat this website.
  • Video in Spanish about applying for unemployment insurance.
  • Employee protections during Covid-19 in Spanish: Protección para empleados durante el Covid-19

Also Serving Undocumented Minnesotans:

Mutual aid funds:

Metro Transit: stay up to date on transit changes due to COVID by visiting their website.

Discrimination Hotline to report discrimination on account of COVID-19 (translation services available):

Governor Walz’s Stay-At-Home Executive Order:

  • Governor Walz issued a Stay-At-Home order on March 27, lasting until April 10, which can be read HERE. NOTE: The Order was extended on April 8 and will last until May 4. More information can be found on gov/covid19.
  • Guidance on the Order, including information on critical workers exempted from the Order, can be found HERE.
  • The governor’s office has compiled an FAQ page about the Order, which can be accessed online HERE.

There is now a hotline and email for residents to report violations: 651-793-3746 or sahviolations@state.mn.us

Stay-at-home extension modifies descriptions and clarification on exempt critical sectors

Governor Walz announced an extension to the stay-at-home order last week, which will now last until May 3. In addition to the extension, modifications and clarifications were added to the list of sectors that are considered critical (and unable to offer work-from-home flexibility to employees) and are therefore exempt from the stay-at-home. Clarifications were made to several sectors to address ambiguity on what businesses and workers are and are not exempt. For instance, lawn care workers, workers who install and update water-related equipment such as docks and boat lifts, and several types of animal-care workers are considered exempt whereas daycare providers, tobacco shop employees, and residential house cleaning services are not. Other modifications were also made to the following sectors:

  • Health care and Public Health
  • Food and Agriculture
  • Transportation and Logistics
  • Commercial Facilities/Essential Supply Stores
  • Laundry and Hygiene Products and Services
  • Animal Care and Veterinarians
  • Construction and Critical Trades

The full list of industries, sectors, and workers that are exempt from the stay-at-home order can be found here.

For a brief list, see below:

Under this executive action, facilities that may reopen or remain open include:

  • Bait shops for live bait
  • Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms
  • Public and private parks and trails
  • Golf courses and driving ranges
  • Boating and off-highway vehicle services, including:
    • Marina services
    • Dock installation and other lake services
    • Boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair, by appointment only

Although Minnesotans are being asked to continue remaining in their homes and many businesses to cease operations, efforts are underway to reopen businesses while adhering to DEED-approved protocols that ensure safety amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. DEED is currently gathering information on how businesses can maintain appropriate social distancing measures when returning to work and welcomes input to help inform decisions.

Governor Walz extends peacetime emergency

Governor Walz declared by executive order this week that the peacetime emergency he ordered last month would be extended for an additional 30 days to May 13. This order was originally declared on March 13. It is important to understand that this extension is solely for the Peacetime Emergency Declaration and is NOT an extension of the Stay-at-Home order, which is in effect through May 4.

Minnesota receives first half of federal coronavirus relief fund

This week, Minnesota received $1,093,413,660 from the federal government’s Coronavirus Relief Fund appropriated through the CARES Act. These funds are being allocated as a response to the COVID-19 outbreak and will help offset the costs of dealing with the coronavirus.

This amount will be deposited into the general fund and will be used to counteract the financial hit caused by the pandemic. Further guidance from the US Department of Treasury will be available soon to inform the state of Minnesota on how best to use the funds.

This installment is expected to be the first half of a total of $2.187 billion allocated by the federal government. A portion of the latter half will be going to local units of government and is expected to arrive no later than April 24.

Federal resources for rural communities, organizations and residents available

The United States Department of Agriculture has created a one-stop-shop of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations, and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide is a first-of-its-kind resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities to help address this pandemic.

The USDA has taken many immediate actions to assist farmers, ranchers, producers, rural communities, and rural-based businesses and organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on these actions, visit www.usda.gov/coronavirus.

The USDA has also announced a list of resources that are available that can provide immediate relief for rural communities.

State-level resources for Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic

Farmer-lender mediation period extended

Due to COVID-19, mediation required under the Farmer-Lender Mediation Act has been extended from 90 days to 150 days before a creditor can enforce a debt or terminate a contract for deed. Producers must be given the option of mediation by a lender, if the lender intends to move against a producer’s agricultural assets used to secure a loan. The extension becomes effective the day following enactment and applies to any mediation request filed before July 31, 2020.

Extending the farmer-lender mediation deadline buys time for farmers who are unable to participate in face-to-face mediations due to public health guidelines. Many rural Minnesota residents don’t have reliable internet options, making alternatives like Zoom or Webex not available or practical for many farmers, which means mediation during this public health crisis is nearly impossible.

Food bank grants seek to aid farmers and the hungry

The Second Harvest food bank received an additional $1.25 million appropriation in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The additional money comes with the specification that, whenever possible, the money should be used to purchase surplus dairy and protein products from Minnesota producers and processors to aid Minnesota farmers who are seeing reduced profits during the pandemic. The purchased surplus will then be distributed to families and Minnesotans in need of grocery supplies, as food banks experience increased demand. Second Harvest Food Banks has succeeded in large part due to their excellent community partnerships, and this appropriation is another example of the state putting Minnesota farmers and families first. This funding is a perfect example of collaboration happening in real time, and the Senate DFL fully supports the mission of Second Harvest while aiding farmers at the same time.

Metro Mobility offering free transportation services to health care workers

Due to the reduced availability of transportation services provided by Metro Transit as a result of the impact of COVID-19, Metro Mobility is providing free door-to-door service from work to home and back for any person who works in health care. These services will be provided 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and are free to health care workers who can provide a health care employment ID badge. This service is available to all health care staff – not just nurses and doctors.

Additionally, Metro Mobility is committed to ensuring social distancing and other safety protocols are taken seriously and implemented efficiently. Drivers are taking extra time to wipe down and disinfect the interiors of their vehicles after each passenger trip, and buses are being fully sanitized in the shop daily. The trips will also follow state guidelines for physical distancing and will only transport as many customers as is safe for the vehicle.

To schedule a service with Metro Transit, please call up to four days in advance between the hours of 6 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday-Saturday and have the following information available:

●      Your name and that you’re a health care worker

●      The day and date of your trip

●      The exact addresses, including apartment, building, or suite numbers for your pickup and drop-off. Any additional information that might be helpful, including building name, description and phone number

●      The time you would like to be picked up OR the time you need to arrive at your destination. Be sure to specify a.m. or p.m.

More information regarding Metro Mobility services, including the contact information for each location, can be found here.

Commercial Drivers’ License changes

Based on Governor Walz’s stay-at-home order and recommendations to physically distance, behind-the-wheel exams have been discontinued throughout the state and drivers’ licenses set to expire have been extended beyond the peacetime emergency. Minnesota must ensure essential goods continue to be delivered and the state’s supply chains continue unabated. Commercial drivers are a critical component of our supply chain, and legislative changes passed this week will help these drivers renew their licenses.

The fourth Minnesota coronavirus relief bill extends out-of-state drivers’ licenses and allows commercial drivers’ license (CDL) renewals to use an outdated photo and postpone an eye exam to avoid requiring applicants from renewing in-person. The exemptions will also allow Driver and Vehicle Services to provide seasonal CDLs (typically for farm workers) to apply remotely for these temporary licenses.

For new CDL applicants, these two exemptions will also apply once the Department of Public Safety develops a process to allow behind-the-wheel driver exams to resume with physical distancing guidelines in place.

Once the peacetime emergency ends, applicants will need to arrange for a new photo and eye exam within two months without requiring additional fees.

Utilities urged to extend consumer protections during COVID-19 pandemic

Many residential utility customers are facing uncertainty and financial hardship during this unprecedented time. To help ensure that Minnesotans are adequately protected, a joint letter was sent on March 24 to all electric and gas utilities operating in Minnesota from Department of Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley and Public Utilities Commission Chair Katie Sieben. The letter set forth a list of minimum actions requested of utilities for the duration of the national security or peacetime emergency, as follows:

·         Extend protections of Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule specifically restricting disconnection of residential customers for non-payment of utility bills and reconnecting customers who have been disconnected. This does not affect the utility’s ability to disconnect a customer’s service for public safety concerns unrelated to non-payment. (The Cold Weather Rule normally runs October 15-April 15.)

·         Waive late fees that any residential or small business customer incurs because of the economic circumstances unrelated to the coronavirus pandemic.

·         Arrange payment plans for customers requesting help during this time that is based on the financial resources and circumstances of the customer.

Utilities were asked to e-File their responses to these specific requests by April 3, 2020.  In a recent briefing to Minnesotans, Governor Walz thanked Chair Sieben and Commissioner Kelly for their joint request that utilities voluntarily commit to not cutting off heat or power, noting that over 100 utilities have stepped up to do so. The governor encourages all utilities operating in Minnesota to make the same decision and said federal and state governments should “help make sure we get this right.”

Minnesotans needing help regarding utility bills or utility shutoffs should contact their utility to get information about its policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those needing information or help with their utility service provider can contact the Consumer Affairs Office at consumer.puc@state.mn.us, 651-296-0406or 1-800-657-3782.

DNR moves to burning restrictions as part of COVID-19 response

The Department of Natural Resources announced this week it will restrict open burning for much of the state in compliance with Governor Tim Walz’s executive orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the announcement:

·         For the health and safety of all Minnesotans, the DNR is proactively moving to burning restrictions immediately after snowmelt to reduce potential for wildfire and emergency response

·         Burning restrictions apply to 62 counties where DNR administers open burning. The state will not activate burning permits in these counties until restrictions are lifted (small recreational fires or campfires are allowed)

·         The DNR is in contact with the 25 southwest counties that determine their own burning restrictions regarding whether they want to be included in these burning restrictions

·         The DNR will grant variance permits only for agricultural field and construction site preparation and limited prescribed burning. For information, contact a local DNR Forestry Office

·         The agency is working to reduce additional risks and stressors on the emergency response network to assure maximum availability for COVID-19 response

·         Burning permit information by county can be found here

This year’s spring wildfire season coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic and emergency response. Wildfire danger increases in April and May, as snow melts and vegetation dries. According to the DNR, these cautionary measures are being put into place for the health and safety of Minnesotans, including the health of firefighters, who cannot maintain social distancing while responding to wildfires.

Additional tax payments delayed for businesses, health providers

The Minnesota Department of Revenue is continually updating policies to make it easier for taxpayers and businesses to comply with the law while adjusting to the financial realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, the Department used existing authority to extend February’s sales tax due date by one month for businesses affected by the Stay-at-Home order. This week, the Department provided another extension and will not assess penalties or interest on affected businesses that have monthly sales tax payments due March 20 or April 20 and pay by May 20. Businesses should still file sales and use tax returns by the due dates, but payments will be accepted until May 20.

This extension only applies to businesses identified in Executive order 20-04, but any business may request reduction or cancellation of penalties for late filing if reasonable cause exists, such as being negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Information is available on the website: www.revenue.state.mn.us/abatement-information-businesses.

The Department also granted a 60-day payment grace period for MinnesotaCare monthly and quarterly estimated tax payments due April 15, 2020. These payments are now due June 15, 2020.This grace period is automatic and applies to Provider Tax, Hospital Tax, Surgical Center Tax, Wholesale Drug Distributor Tax, and Legend Drug Use Tax.

Metro Transit funding for safety precautions

Legislation passed this week allows Metro Transit to use funds from the federal CARES Act for protection equipment for transit operators, safety training for operators, and frequent cleaning of transit vehicles. Funding for safety equipment may include physical barriers, personal protective equipment, and cleaning materials.

Metro Transit has recently increased the frequency of sanitizing transit vehicles, reduced the hours of operation, and limited the number of passengers in each vehicle. Public transit should only be used for essential travel. For additional information on Metro Transit guidelines and procedures, please visit their website.

Election administration through the pandemic

It is apparent that Minnesota must do everything we can to give voters additional vote-by-mail options and make our elections as safe as possible in November. We cannot end up like Wisconsin and force our citizens to decide between their health and their right to vote. The Senate DFL is committed to working with Secretary of State Steve Simon to prevent this from happening, who has been advocating for changes to the state’s elections statutes.

Secretary Simon has been working with legislators to craft legislation to expand his authority to move or close high-risk polling locations, administer the election entirely by mail if necessary, and consult with local governments to determine the best path forward for our state to ensure our elections remain secure while also maintaining voter enfranchisement. The proposed legislation would also appropriate $17 million in HAVA funds to improve the security of our elections.

The federal CARES Act appropriated $400 million to states for necessary changes to election administration in light of the ongoing pandemic, but election experts have concluded that much more funding will be necessary to greatly expand mail-in voting and ensure safety at polling locations.

Information and Resources

State Government

Governor

651.201.3400 | http://mn.gov/governor

Attorney General
651.296.3353 | www.ag.state.mn.us

Representative Melissa Hortman (36B)
651.296.4280

Representative Zack Stephenson (36A)
651.296.5513

Driver’s Licenses
651.297.3298 | drivers-license-information.aspx

MN Energy Assistance Program
800.657.3710

https://mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp

Election Information
651.215.1440 | https://www.sos.state.mn.us/

Emerald Ash Borer Prevention
and Detection
(MN Dept. of Agriculture)

pestmanagement/eab/eabbiocontrol

651.201.6684

Local Government

City of Champlin 763.421.8100

City of Brooklyn Park 763.424.8000

City of Coon Rapids 763.755.2880

Anoka County 763.421.4760

Federal Government

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
612.727.5220 | https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/

U.S. Senator Tina Smith
202.224-5641 | https://www.smith.senate.gov/HomePage

U.S. Congressman Dean Phillips (3rd CD)
202.225.2871 | https://phillips.house.gov/