May 1, 2020
Dear Neighbor,
As we come into the final weeks of the regular legislative session, we continue to do the important work that Minnesotans expect, while adapting to new challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The regular session will have to adjourn by May 18th, but I know that our work won’t end there. Here’s a brief summary of some of what has happened this week.
Extension of Stay-at-Home Order
Yesterday, Governor Walz announced an extension of his Stay-at-Home order until May 18th, though retail businesses and other non-critical sectors may reopen with curbside pick-up, bringing 30,000 Minnesotans safely back to work when employers follow the criteria listed below. Minnesota has experienced significant breakthroughs in flattening the curve since the first confirmed COVID-19 case on March 6th. 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.
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
Senate Passes Irresponsible Tax Bill
The Minnesota Senate passed a $327 million tax package on Thursday, just days before the state will learn just how deeply the COVID-19 pandemic is beginning to affect the state’s budget. State economic experts are due to release updated budget projections on May 5 to help guide spending decisions during the final weeks of the legislative session. Since the last budget forecast, economic conditions have dramatically weakened and state spending has increased, so the updated information is critical.
I did oppose this bill – not so much for the content of the bill, as much as the spending it contained. For instance, the bill modified referendum equalization levies for some of the state’s school districts, helping schools as well as property taxpayers. However, it cost $31 million and only helped some districts, not all. At a time when we know all school districts are struggling, it would have been prudent to spend time considering relief that would have a broader statewide effect.
The bill also reduced tax rates for charitable organizations that raise money from gambling operations. The idea of helping charities weather the current economic realities has merit, but at a $33 million cost, Senate Republicans should have allowed time to weigh that cost against broader tax measures that could also help other businesses.
The House of Representatives has not released a tax bill of its own. Tax bills must originate from the House, so it’s unclear if any Senate provisions will move forward.
Committee Work
I serve on the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy, Local Government, and Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committees. Each of these committees met this week.
This week, the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee heard a proposal that would expand Medical Assistance for Breast or Cervical Cancer (MA-BC) coverage to persons diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer by any CDC National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program in the state.
MA-BC provides insurance coverage to uninsured or under-insured Minnesotans who are in need of treatment services for breast or cervical cancer or pre-cancer of the cervix but are not otherwise eligible for MA. Under current state law, MA-BC only covers those who have been screened by the Minnesota cancer control program called SAGE. This bill will expand access to include other CDC funded programs in Minnesota, such as the American Indian Cancer Foundation’s screening program. This bill will reduce barriers to critical screening and treatment options for those who need it.
This was part of a larger bill that would make several non-controversial changes like allowing physician assistants greater flexibility in their ability to practice, allowing pharmacists to prescribe self-administered hormonal contraceptives, nicotine replacement medications, and opiate antagonists used for the treatment of an acute opiate overdose, and other technical modifications.
The Commerce Committee heard a bill this week that would allow insurance companies to offer paid family leave insurance – a proposal that may sound reasonable, but in fact would leave countless Minnesotans behind.
The proposal would offer paid family leave, but only to those Minnesotans that could afford yet another insurance premium. Minnesotans are looking for certainty right now – certainty that they will be able to afford to take care of their loved ones if something happens. This bill doesn’t guarantee anything and leaves Paid Time to Care to the whims of insurance executives. No Minnesotan should be forced to choose between keeping a roof over their head and taking care of themselves or their family. This is especially true in light of COVID-19, which is exposing vast economic and racial disparities in Minnesota.
The Local Government Committee heard S.F. 4525, which would allow counties, cities, and townships to accept certain written documents electronically, by mail, or fax. Given the new realities of how local governments must operate in order to conduct essential business, this is a reasonable change.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our communities in the Minnesota Senate, and please keep in touch.
Regards,
Melissa