A weekly message from your Senator
Dear Constituents and Friends,
Minnesota has experienced significant breakthroughs in flattening the curve since the first confirmed COVID-19 case on March 6. However, as we gradually reopen the economy, it is important to remember cases are still on the rise, and we still must cautiously approach safely resuming our normal way of life.
Governor Walz extended the Stay-at-Home Order until May 18 this week, but also took additional steps to re-open additional low risk businesses. Starting May 4, retail businesses and other non-critical businesses may begin offering curbside pick-up. This will put an estimated 30,000 Minnesotans back to work in a safe way.
Minnesotans should also continue to telework whenever possible, wear face masks in public, screen for symptoms and regularly check their temperature, and maintain physical distance from each other.
After more than a year’s effort involving numerous stakeholders and bill drafts, the Senate passed a bill, SF 4073, to ban trichloroethylene (TCE), a volatile organic compound that is a known carcinogen and is associated with several other detrimental health effects. The ban is the nation’s first.
The issue came to light after the discovery in 2019 that the company Water Gremlin had been using TCE to manufacture lead battery terminals and lead fishing sinkers but was violating its MPCA air emissions permit at levels high enough to threaten human health up to 1.5 miles around its facility in White Bear Lake Township. The violation had been occurring since at least 2009, and long-term health implications to the community are yet unknown.
I have appreciated continuing to hear from you on proposals to re-open our state safely. As a reminder, you can submit ideas for re-opening businesses directly to the Governor here. Stay well, and let me know if I can help in any way!
Sincerely,
Melisa
From the Senate Floor this Week
Click on the link above to listen to my floor speech this week articulating my concerns with changing the existing Legislative Advisory Council (LAC) process during the interim. Each day, new cases of COVID-19 are reported and new information about the virus arises. Because of the nature and timing of COVID-19 developments, the state must remain nimble when delegating federal funds to help Minnesotans. The current process under the LAC allows the state the necessary flexibility to respond to emergency situations like the one we are currently facing. Developing a new account is unnecessary and is prone to inserting divisive politics when critical funds need to be disbursed to Minnesota communities across the state in a timely fashion.
In the News:
Senate Republicans Pass Bill to Provide Oversight of COVID Stimulus Funding
Skirmish brews over federal COVID-19 money sent to Minnesota
Minnesota Republicans seek sign-off on federal COVID-19 funds
Governor Walz announces extension of Stay-at-Home Order to May 18
On April 8, Minnesota had 1,154 confirmed cases, with 271 hospitalizations and 39 fatalities. As of today, Minnesota has 5,136 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 1,044 hospitalizations and 343 fatalities. In light of this, the governor announced an extension of the Stay-at-Home Order this week to May 18, which includes bars and restaurants, but retail businesses and other non-critical sectors may reopen with curbside pick-up, bringing 30,000 Minnesotans safely back to work.
In an effort to gradually reopen the economy while slowing the spread of COVID-19, Governor Walz is asking Minnesotans to wear masks when they leave their homes, telework whenever possible, screen for symptoms, and continue to implement social distancing.
For businesses that will be resuming operations, their exemption from the Stay-at-Home Order is contingent on the following mandatory criteria:
- Develop and publicly post a plan for how to open safely
- Use online payment whenever possible
- Employees and customers should wear masks and protective equipment
- In curbside pick-up scenarios, social distancing guidelines apply. If possible, customers should not leave their vehicle
- In delivery scenarios, items should be deposited outside a customer’s residence
Further updates on the COVID-19 pandemic can be found here.
Governor Walz modifies Executive Order to allow elective procedures
Governor Walz, with the guidance of The Minnesota Department of Health, modified Executive Order 20-09 this week, which postponed elective surgical procedures to make room for COVID-19 patient treatment. Many procedures classified under “elective”, such as dental work and veterinary care, could cause long lasting and substantial risk if postponed indefinitely. Therefore, many of these types of procedures will begin to resume. The postponing of these procedures until now has created the space and resources for treating COVID-19 patients. It is important to note, however, that the governor and his team of experts approach this decision with caution, discernment, and, if need be, may have to suspend them again.
Each hospital, ambulatory surgery center, and clinic must develop and implement a written plan for determining procedures that can be performed under consideration of the following:
- Community Considerations (i.e. a plan for collaboration with other centers should there be resurgence of COVID-19 cases)
Screening Testing (i.e. facilities must screen employees for COVID-19 systems at the beginning of every shift) - Patient Information (i.e. patients must be aware of the potential risk of exposure to COVID-19 the procedure may subject them to)
- Personal Protective Equipment and Supplies (i.e. staff must follow current MDH protocol on safely and effectively using PPE and supplies)
- Infection prevention (i.e. facilities must follow evidence-based standards for infection prevention and control)
A more comprehensive list of mandatory considerations can be accessed here.
Legislation establishes telemedicine and broadband aid for distance learning
A bill was heard in the Senate Finance Committee this week to establish two new grant programs: one to fund the purchase of telemedicine equipment to deal with COVID-19, and one to fund the purchase of distance learning equipment for students without broadband access. Both come at a time when the way we practice medicine and teach our children are rapidly changing in the face of a pandemic. This funding will help ease the transition into these new forms of medicine and education.
The telemedicine grant program will reimburse health care providers that purchase and install equipment in order to provide COVID-19-related health care services. The total amount appropriated to the grant program is $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2020.
The broadband access grant program will reimburse school districts and charter schools for costs incurred to provide wireless or wire-line broadband access to students without proper access for distance learning. Examples of equipment used to provide this access include data cards, USB modems, or other mobile or temporary broadband devices. The total amount appropriated to this program is $8,000,000 in fiscal year 2020. An additional $10,000,000 appropriated for fiscal year 2021 to continue developing broadband access in underserved areas if it’s found to be reimbursable by federal funds. (SF 4494)
Avoiding scams during COVID-19
The Department of Commerce is sharing best practices to avoid robocall-type scams during this stay at home time of the pandemic. Given the heightened anxieties surrounding the virus right now, scammers are taking advantage of this by sending out more illegal robocalls. These calls are designed to try and gain personal information from you, like social security numbers and bank account information. They may also ask you to purchase gift cards or make payments for things like at-home COVID-19 tests or investment protections.
In addition to robocalls, scammers may attempt to take advantage of you via online scams such as phishing emails, malicious websites, and other various forms of fraud. Common types of scams featured on these emails and websites feature fake tests or cures, illegitimate health organizations fundraising, and fraudulent charities. More information on fraudulent test kits and fake cures can be found here. More information on charity scams can be found here.
The Minnesota IT Services recommends these best practices for avoiding these scams:
- Avoid clicking on links and attachments in unsolicited or unusual emails, text messages, and social media posts
- Only use trusted sources for accurate and fact-based information about COVID-19, such as these government websites: coronavirus.gov or mn.gov/covid19
- NEVER give out your personal information, including banking information, Social Security Number, or other personally identifiable information over the phone or email
- Always verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations
Opportunists may try to take advantage of the vulnerable or anxious during the crisis, but knowledge and preparation will prevent them from being successful. By following these practices, you can avoid common scams and continue to protect your identity and your information during this pandemic.
Mental Health Support during COVID-19
Crisis Text Line: 24/7 emergency service available if you or someone you know is experiencing a psychiatric or mental health crisis. Text “MN” to 741741
County Crisis Contacts: access a directory of mental health crisis phone numbers by county here:
Talk to a specialist who has firsthand experience living with a mental health condition by calling the Minnesota Warmline at 651-288-0400 or texting “Support” to 85511
·National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Available 24/7 to those in distress, for prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Substance abuse and mental health services helpline: Offers crisis counseling and support if you or a family member is experiencing emotional distress related to a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990
Peer support connection warmlines: Peer-to-peer telephone support that’s safe and supportive. Open 5p.m. to 9a.m. by calling or texting 844-739-6369
Resources to support mental well-being for children and families: