Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope everyone, their families and friends are safe and healthy. The days draw on as we carefully watch the pandemic that is COVID-19. In this newsletter there are more details, but you’ll see that we are starting to open more businesses and getting people to work in safe, thoughtful ways. That is the key in all of this: Safe, thoughtful progress.
While we still have a potentially lengthy time of caution ahead of us remember to stay in touch with those most important to you through all safe measures. It is more about physical distancing than social distancing and in times like these it is even more important to be socially close. We are all in this together.
From my family to yours,
John
Minnesota soon could have highest COVID-19 testing capacity in nation
Since the COVID-19 emergency began, Governor Walz and public health experts have said a plan to increase and expand testing would be a critical piece of reopening parts of society. This week, state leaders announced a partnership between two entities that have been developing tests – Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota – that will provide testing capacity to health systems across the state.
The coordination among health plans will help ensure every person in the state with symptoms of COVID-19 receives a test. The goal is to have the structure fully established in the next three to four weeks, at which point the state would have capacity to provide 20,000 molecular tests and 15,000 serology (antibody) tests per day.
The plan is partly funded by $36 million from the COVID-19 Minnesota Fund that the Legislature approved in late March. In partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health, the Mayo Clinic and the U of M will create a central lab to accommodate the expanded testing and a virtual command center in coordination with the health systems to monitor daily testing needs and coordinate rapid responses to outbreaks.
Governor Walz announced this new capacity should allow Minnesota to be testing at a rate higher than the rest of the country and perhaps the world. However, he warned it is not a guarantee that everything will reopen quickly. It gives the state more power to identify hotspots and provide rapid response when outbreaks occur, but social distancing is still critically important until a vaccine or other therapeutics can be secured.
State leaders said every Minnesotan who needs a test will receive one, regardless of health insurance status or finances. The Department of Health is working on a website that will allow Minnesotans to identify where tests are available on any given day. In the meantime, health leaders recommend that those experiencing systems still call their provider before leaving their homes so proper instructions can be provided.
COVID-19 impact exposes increased racial inequality in Minnesota
The impact of COVID-19 has undoubtedly shed a light on the inadequacies of the structures and institutions built to support modern civilization. Although many have banded together to support their communities and those around them in a deeply human way, the shortcomings of society’s preparedness to handle a pandemic of this magnitude in a way that reflects equity and humanity has been highlighted even greater. The deeply embedded racial inequalities that have historically and continue to undermine and oppress people of color are reflected in all aspects of society; the health care and economic response to COVID-19 is no exception.
Although the pandemic has left no one unaffected, people of color have been disproportionately hit hard across the nation. In Chicago, Black citizens have accounted for 72% of the deaths even though they make up 29% of the population. In New York City, Hispanics account for 34% of COVID-19 deaths while making up 29% of the city’s population.
Although Minnesota’s data reflects cases of contagion amongst people of color more proportionally, the actual numbers are likely significantly higher. Most of the testing in Minnesota comes out of the Mayo clinic which, due to its location, more often serves white communities. The lack of testing in communities of color creates giant blind spots for more accurate and comprehensive reporting.
Due to the systematic economic hardship placed more heavily on communities of color, the likelihood of contracting the virus is greater. Social distancing becomes more of a challenge in low-income neighborhoods with higher population density. Likewise, jobs that are now considered essential work and are more likely held in underprivileged communities pose higher safety risks as they are often lower paying, have higher exposure to the public, and are less likely to offer work-from-home options. Additionally, low-income communities are less likely to have access to adequate health care and disproportionately suffer more due to that as well.
Communities of color and Indigenous communities also have a substantially higher rate of underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, severe asthma, and obesity. In addition, these communities are and will be financially hurt more severely. The unemployment rate for people of color is more than double that of white Minnesotans and the unemployment rate for Black Minnesotans is higher than it’s ever been.
In response to the effect COVID-19 has had on communities of color, Governor Walz has announced the formation of a Community Resilience and Recovery work group that will address racial inequity specifically as it relates to the pandemic in health care, corrections, education, housing, and economic advancement. More information regarding this workgroup can be accessed here.
Executive order allows more businesses to reopen
Governor Walz signed a new executive order on Thursday to begin reopening businesses that are focused on non-customer-facing businesses. This new order will mainly affect manufacturing, industrial, and office settings. A list of conditions and further information about the order is available here.
Under the order, businesses will need to create a plan that demonstrates employee hygiene processes and cleaning and disinfecting practices. Businesses will still be encouraged to allow those employees who can work from home to do so, and sick employees will still be required to stay at home.
Executive Order 20-40 makes no changes to the definitions of Critical Workers/Sectors from Governor Walz’s Executive Order 20-33. Critical Workers/Sectors can be open as they were before this order. This order allows non-Critical Sector Workers in industrial and office settings to go back to work, with certain conditions.
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has introduced a template for businesses to use in creating plans that adhere to health guidelines that would allow them to re-open.
The template for businesses is available online here: www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/COVID_19_business_plan_template.pdf.
Once a business has a plan developed, they should email it to DLICovidPlan@state.mn.us. Under the peacetime emergency, Governor Walz has the authority to add further exemptions to the state’s stay-at-home order, including the industries and businesses that would be classified as essential.
Thousands of Minnesota businesses have submitted ideas for how to follow CDC and MDH guidelines at work.
More updates for workers and businesses are available at: www.dli.mn.gov/updates.
Resorts, campgrounds were never closed under the Stay-at-Home order, says Walz administration
Many Minnesotans have been seeking clarity on the status of Minnesota’s numerous resorts, asking the Walz administration to allow them to reopen. Clarification came from the administration this week, stating that resorts were never actually closed under the Executive Order, despite some misinformation that has been circulating.
According to the guidance from the administration, the hotel portions of resorts (including rented cabins) can open and accept guests, and guests do not have to be members of a critical sector to stay at a resort. Communal resources offered at resorts, however, cannot be open for use except for retail food stores, laundry facilities, and fish cleaning stations and docks. Resorts do not have to open if they are not comfortable doing so. Maintenance workers and cleaning staff can begin working now to prepare for the start of Minnesota’s resort season, though the health and safety of employees and guests should remain a priority throughout the season.
Individuals who rely on RV resort campsites or private and public campgrounds as a primary residence and those who are seasonal renters and maintain personal property at their site can continue to utilize the RV resort. Other campsites can be used on a short-term or temporary basis by people who require necessary shelter for the purposes of work or required social distancing, but sites that are reserved for temporary or rotating use for purely recreational and/or short-term purposes are not allowed. The only communal amenities that may be open for use include bathrooms/shower buildings, retail food stores, laundry facilities, and fish cleaning stations and docks.
While traditional resorts, RV resorts, and campgrounds can accept visitors as outlined above, the Stay-at-Home order continues to discourage unnecessary travel and asks people to remain close to their homes. No resorts or campgrounds have to open if they are not comfortable doing so.
Minnesota and six other states form agreement on the approach to reopen their economies
Governor Walz announced last week that he and the governors of six other Midwestern states will coordinate to reopen the economies of the Midwest. Minnesota, along with Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky have current stay-at-home orders in place and are aligned in terms of how best to protect the citizens of their respective states.
This agreement was made in response to President Trump offering a set of guidelines on how to reopen America’s economies. Although some of the president’s guidelines align with those of the governors of the seven aforementioned states, the compact of the region’s states will better reflect the needs of the Midwest and will be data-driven and informed by science.
In addition to working together to recover the economy of the region, Governor Walz also expressed a desire to work with the other states to make testing and pandemic response more widely available and accessible.
Although there is no current timeline set in place, Minnesota and the other six states are in discussions with experts on how to safely open their economies in a way that protects citizens from the virus while also working towards recovering the economy.
The governors of these states gave four deciding factors that will play into their process:
- The states need consistent control of infection and hospitalization rates
- They must have enhanced testing and tracing
- Health care systems need to be able to handle a resurgence of the virus
- Workplaces must have best practices for social distancingThe economies of each individual state in this compact will not be opening at the same time. However, because the economies are so intertwined and reliant on each other, they will be working towards a game plan on how best to reopen on a tandem basis.
Current housing crisis highlights need for more extensive rent and mortgage moratorium
Governor Walz issued an executive order last month to suspend evictions and foreclosures amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As the debt of foregone rent and mortgage payments continues to grow along with the number of Minnesotans experiencing unemployment, the need is growing for rent and mortgage moratoriums that provide a real financial solution.
The executive order issued by the governor offers a short-term solution to a problem with lasting repercussions. The order suspends evictions, the termination of leases, and foreclosures. However, renters and homeowners could face severe economic repercussions once the order expires as they are left with mounds of accrued debt. Additionally, landlords have bills to pay and suffer as well from the unemployment and financial hardship of their renters.
A bill was heard in the House that would provide the necessary help to landlords, renters, and homeowners. The legislation proposes a $100 million housing package that would offer financial relief to renters, homeowners, and landlords. (HF 4541)
Minnesota schools closed for the rest of year, distance learning to continue
Minnesota schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year, and districts will continue to provide distance learning to students.
Governor Walz announced on March 15 that Minnesota schools would close, requiring the Minnesota Department of Education to assist schools in distance learning – a requirement that began on March 30. Districts have been providing childcare options for essential workers and meals for students during the school closures, with local districts providing direction on the administration of these services. Until This week’s change, schools had been ordered closed until May 4.
Minnesota K-12 students will not be required to take the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) in 2020 due to school closures. The test waiver was received from the federal government after the Minnesota Department of Education requested the waiver. The testing window normally runs from March 8-May 8.
The Minnesota Department of Education continues to provide guidance to school districts on how to provide online resources for schools. Local school websites will carry information for distance learning, so parents should consult those for up-to-date information and lessons.
U of M freezes tuition rates for 20-21 school year, MinnState projects revenue losses and freezes administrator pay
The University of Minnesota Board of Regents this week voted to freeze student tuition for the 2020-21 school year. Tuition will be allowed to increase in these professional program areas: dentistry, medical school, and three professional masters in the College of Science & Engineering, Twin Cities campus.
President Joan Gabel made the recommendation at the April 21 special meeting, suggesting the Regents approve the proposal so U of M staff could inform potential students of the freeze. The University’s student enrollment commitment date deadline is May 1.
Current incoming first year student numbers are below 2019 numbers: total first year enrollment in 2019 was 6,548; in 2020 is 6,027; the total number of transfer students in 2019 was 1141 and 1,702 in 2020.
Regents will get a full picture of the University’s budget in May when President Joan Gabel makes her proposals. U of M officials earlier this month outlined the budget concerns in “best case”, “moderate case”, and “worst case” scenarios”; a best-case scenario would be operations returning to normal this summer, moderate-case is operations returning to normal by fall, and the worst-case would be operations returning to normal next spring.
Projected revenue losses predicted are:
- Best case: $85 million
- Moderate: $160 million
- Worst case: $315 million
The Minnesota State system has not made a decision yet on a tuition freeze for next fall. MinnState administrators are considering next steps to benefit their education quality. MinnState anticipates $35-$40 million in lost revenue for the remainder of FY20, which ends on June 30.
At a Board of Trustees meeting this week, MinnState administrators outlined potential revenue losses of $75 million if enrollment were to drop 5% next fall to a high of $280 million is enrollment dropped 20%. MinnState expects to receive $93 million from the federal CARES Act; $47 million of that must be in direct aid to students.
This week, Chancellor Devinder Malhotra also announced that for the remainder of FY2020, all administrator pay will be frozen, including the suspension of exceptional performance pay and merit increases for FY2020. For FY2021, Chancellor Malhotra will take a voluntary 10% salary reduction.
Both University and MinnState officials will make further decisions based on federal CARES Act funding. University President Gabel will present the FY21 budget at the May Regent board meeting.
Governor Walz reopens some outdoor recreations activities
Governor Walz reopened some outdoor recreational activities last week, such as golfing, boat landings and marinas, and state parks. In his EO 20-38, he reiterates the importance of staying active. According to the CDC, physical activity fosters and improves overall health, reduces the risk of diseases, and generally makes people feel better.
Regular physical activity, including outdoor activities such as walking in parks, bicycle rides, and gardening can help with the adjustment to new routines and support social, mental, and physical wellbeing. Participating in outdoor activities is a good way to stay healthy, reduce stress, and enjoy time with family.
Although Minnesotans are strongly encouraged to stay close to their primary residences, many outdoor recreational activities are available close to Minnesotans’ homes and can be done safely. Before the new order, Minnesotans were able to go outdoors and engage in activities such as walking, running, fishing, and hunting if they maintained an appropriate social distance from other households.
The new order opens up Minnesota State Parks, trails, state forests, state recreation areas, wildlife management areas, and other State-managed recreational lands. It also opens up boat landings, marinas, docking services, gas, and boat pump-out stations. Bait shops are open for the sale of live bait, and outdoor shooting ranges and game farms are open.
Public and private golf courses and outdoor driving ranges are also open. This will help get isolated Minnesotans out of their homes and safely into the great outdoors while restarting the state’s golf industry. Golf courses are asked to stagger tee times, and players should stay six feet away from others. Courses must remove anything someone might touch such as rakes, ball washers, and water coolers. They must also raise the cup sleeve, so balls bounce away, eliminating the need to touch the cup or the flag. People can only share golf carts with household members, and the courses must clean and sanitize carts after every round. Many courses also are taking tee times only by internet or by credit card in advance to limit interaction upon arrival.
Off-highway vehicles, snowmobiles, and watercraft repair shops, sales facilities, and showrooms are open by appointment. Still under the closed provisions are all campgrounds, and outdoor recreation does not include tournaments, team events, and events that attract a crowd. Stores that sell recreational equipment, recreational equipment rentals, charter boats, launches, and guided fishing also remain closed under this order.
As we move into trying to open more activities and businesses, we must use science to guide our decisions. We haven’t reached the peak of the pandemic yet, and it’s imperative Minnesota remains smart in the decisions we make by weighing a slowing opening up of businesses and activities with keeping people safe, helping our health care system handle the ill, and saving lives.
Senate looks at options to support disability service providers and direct care workers
Legislators are exploring ways to help cover 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 and reimbursement 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 for their required expenses and are exploring options for alternative billable services. Like many businesses, their revenue has been severely reduced during the pandemic, and permanent closures will leave thousands of older adults and people with disabilities with gaps in care.
PCAs are facing an increased risk during COVID-19 as their work limits options to stay at home and self-isolate. On top of this, 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 paid sick leave are limited.
This week, the Senate Human Services Reform Finance and Policy committee discussed a COVID-19 relief bill that addresses a range of disability services supports. Along with funding for direct support workers and disability service providers, the proposal includes temporary increased funding for non-emergency medical transportation providers and offers financial relief for parents of children with disabilities. As we continue to evaluate these proposals, the Senate is hopeful that meaningful relief will be provided to our vulnerable populations and those who support them. (SF 3694)
Funding for COVID-19 impacted businesses moving through MN Senate
The Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy heard a proposal this week that would provide additional assistance to COVID-19-impacted businesses. The proposal appropriates an additional $20 million to the state-run Minnesota Emergency Loan Program and expands eligibility. The loan program is designed for those impacted by Executive Orders 20-04, 20-08, and 20-09.
The bill also provides $10 million for a new grant program that will be awarded through the Minnesota Initiative Foundation in Greater Minnesota and the Otto Bremer Trust in the metropolitan area. There are two components to the $10 million grants that may be made available. One component focuses on businesses located in Minnesota who employ 10 or fewer workers and can show financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. The other program would reserve a portion of the $10 million for microbusinesses – which are defined as having four or fewer employees – that are located in Minnesota, can show financial hardship as a result of the pandemic, and have a combination of assets and annual sales of less than $250,000.
The funding contained in this proposal is entirely separate from the federal money appropriated for federal business programs by the U.S. Senate this week (SF 4481)
Criminal justice stakeholders ask for COVID-19 mitigation efforts
A number of criminal justice stakeholders, including the Minnesota Board of Public Defense, Justice Action Network, the Second Chance Coalition, Catholic Conference, and others have sent a letter to Governor Walz asking him to protect some of the state’s most vulnerable to COVID-19: those incarcerated in the state’s correctional facilities.
Correctional facilities are often hotspots in a pandemic, as populations are more at risk, and it is difficult to follow all CDC recommendations to reduce the spread of a virus.
The letter included requests to transfer non-violent offenders to home confinement, releasing individuals that are being held on technical probation violations, providing adequate PPE and cleaning supplies for incarcerated individuals, staff, and facilities, daily health checks, and more. Some of these requests are already happening, and the Department of Corrections is working to mitigate cases in the corrections systems.
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