Tag: Andrew Carlson

Dear Neighbors,

Sunday night, the 2020 Legislative Session adjourned. Though this usually marks the end of our work for the year, the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors make a special session in June highly likely.

When the first COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Minnesota, the Minnesota Legislature was able to produce a swift, bipartisan response to ensure that our public health infrastructure was prepared for the virus. The Legislature delivered funding for public health, resources for health care workers, aid for child care, housing and food security, small business assistance and more. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: May 22, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe as we continue to grapple with COVID-19 and its impact on our community. In the Minnesota Legislature, we are moving quickly toward our constitutional adjournment date of May 18, which will be the last day of the normal legislative session for the year. Before we’re done, my colleagues and I in the Minnesota House are determined to ensure Minnesotans have the tools and resources necessary to properly weather this pandemic and the economic insecurities it brings.

To that end, we’ve spent this week on the House floor passing legislation that puts Minnesotans first. We prioritized economic relief, safe and secure elections, and support for our schools’ hourly workers. You can read more about these bills below: Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: May 9, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

Early this afternoon, the Minnesota House approved an important bill that will provide economic security for people working on the front lines if they get sick. The Minnesota Senate also approved the bill today, and Governor Walz plans to sign it into law when it reaches his desk.

Today’s email will take a closer look at how the bill specifically helps our health care workers and first responders, including nurses, EMTs, firefighters, and police officers. Please contact my office with questions or comments about the bill. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: April 7, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

On March 26, the Legislature approved a new package of economic aid for small businesses, workers, childcare providers, and other Minnesotans who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Walz signed the bill into law today. The federal government has just approved a sweeping economic stimulus, and we will soon learn what it means for Minnesota.

These are the first steps in what will need to be a long-term, comprehensive plan to help Minnesotans. This is an unprecedented public health crisis that will have an unpredictable and lasting impact on our state. Please continue to care for each other, treat each other with kindness, and do your part to follow public health guidelines.

My office is a resource that is available to help you navigate public agencies that are providing financial support. If you call my office at 651-296-4218 please be prepared to leave a voicemail message and include your full contact information (House staff are tele-commuting in order to comply with public health guidelines). You can also send an email to rep.andrew.carlson@house.mn. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD48B) Update: March 29, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

Early this week, the Minnesota Legislature unanimously approved a $200 million emergency appropriation to help hospitals and clinics prepare for and respond to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Walz promptly signed the bill into law.

As this public health crisis worsens, our hospitals and clinics could become overwhelmed with patients. We want our health care system and workforce to be prepared to respond and take care of Minnesotans who get sick, so lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have taken swift, bipartisan action to ‘flatten the curve.’  We are prepared to take additional actions in the days and weeks ahead.

Hours before the vote on the bill, Gov. Walz issued two new Executive Orders that temporarily pause dining in restaurants and bars (take out, drive-through, delivery, and curbside service are still allowed) and access to other public spaces like theaters, fitness centers, and museums. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: March 19, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

Minnesota’s Legislature, governor, and public health officials are working around the clock to respond to challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a rapidly evolving situation and I want to acknowledge that Minnesotans are facing a lot of uncertainty by no fault of their own.

I’m sharing a brief update on where things stand at the state government level as of today (Monday, March 16), including actions already taken by the Legislature and the governor, and current measures we are advancing to support workers, employers, and health care providers. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: March 16, 2020”