COVID-19 Update                                    April 10, 2020

Weekly Review Video

A weekly message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

The Minnesota Legislature will next meet in session on April 14 to take up legislation to provide insulin for uninsured Minnesotans with diabetes or those who can’t afford it, in addition to other potential priorities specific to the COVID-19 crisis.

It is important for the Legislature to continue meet and pass legislation to make sure Minnesotans are protected and we come out of the pandemic in the strongest economic position possible. This week, the Legislature proved it can do so in a safe and effective manner by establishing procedures for remote voting that limit personal contact within the Capitol.

With an anticipated change in the long-term budget forecast and most of the budgetary balance invested in dealing with COVID-19, it is expected the $2 billion rainy-day fund will be tapped to address Minnesota’s most critical needs. This is a huge reversal from late February, when officials forecasted a projected surplus of $1.5 billion. Minnesota lawmakers are in the process of understanding what types of federal assistance we can rely upon, what ongoing needs will need legislative action, and how we can plan for the future amidst much uncertainty.

Committees are expected to start meeting more regularly through Zoom in the upcoming weeks. You can watch Senate proceedings and remain aware of meeting schedules at: www.senate.mn.

Sincerely,

Melisa

RELEASE: Senator Franzen supports Governor Walz’s modifications to the Stay-at-Home Order but urges him to consider other “low-risk” sector businesses

Find the full press release and other news updates here

Join us for a Virtual Town Hall!

You can find more info about the event and submit questions here

• Relocation to ensure safety, such as relocating to a different location if your home is unsafe due to domestic violence, sanitation, or reasons related to essential operations.
• Health and safety activities, such as obtaining emergency services or medical supplies.
• Outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, running, biking, hunting, or fishing.
• Necessary supplies and services, such as getting groceries, gasoline, or carry-out.
• Essential intrastate and interstate travel, such as returning to a home from outside this state.
• Care of others, such as caring for a family member, friend, or pet in another household.
• Displacement, such as moving between emergency shelters if you are without a home.
• Moving or relocation, such as moving to a new home or place of residence.
• Voting, including all local and state elections.
• Funerals, provided that no more than ten attendees are gathered, and strict social distancing is enforced.
• Tribal activities and lands, such as activities by members within the boundaries of their tribal reservation.

For more information regarding the extension of the stay-at-home order, please visit the Governor’s frequently updated website.

Workers’ compensation for front line workers

Legislators passed a bill this week that will ensure health care workers, emergency responders, childcare workers, and other similarly situated critical employees have access to workers’ compensation benefits if they contract COVID-19 while working. These workers are at increased risk because they have greater exposure to sick individuals, which is compounded by the concern that they lack the necessary personal protective equipment as a result of product shortages across the globe.

The legislation comes after Senate legislators called for the increase in coverage during a previous floor session, when legislation passed at that time did not include such protections. Through our hard work and through the work of a coalition of outside advocacy groups, an agreement was reached amongst legislative leaders that allowed the changes to come to the Senate floor this week for approval.

Our first responders and health care workers cannot stay at home during this crisis and are instead putting their lives, and the health and safety of their families, on the line every day to keep our communities safe and care for those who are suffering. They are there for us at our most vulnerable moments, willing to risk their own safety to help all of us. It is imperative that we are there for them if they become ill through their work, and passing this legislation is the least we can do to protect them and their families. (HF 4537)

Governor unveils new dashboard for tracking COVID in Minnesota

During his daily update on April 3, Governor Walz unveiled a new State of Minnesota COVID-19 dashboard that tracks the virus in Minnesota and provides updates on the latest available data, such as the number of available ventilators, ICU beds, and test results. The dashboard is being updated daily and is available to the public, so every Minnesotan can find the information they need to stay informed as the state works to address this crisis.

The dashboard can be accessed at mn.gov/covid19.