Tag: HD49B

Dear Neighbors,

We at the Legislature are working diligently, and safely, to pass critical COVID-19 legislation. This has been a strange experience for all of us, but we are managing to be effective at responding to this crisis. I hope you stay well and can find some joy while staying home as much as possible.

Legislature Passes Workers’ Compensation Bill

We gathered remotely on Tuesday to pass critical legislation to ensure that healthcare workers, first responders, and home health aides are eligible for workers’ compensation in the unfortunate event that they contract COVID-19 while serving Minnesotans during this public health crisis. In particular, the legislation provides a presumption that if these workers contract COVID-19, they did so during the course of their employment and are covered by workers’ compensation. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: April 8, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

A lot is continuing to happen at the Legislature. We are working together and taking critical actions to make sure Minnesota can get through this crisis. Here are some developments you should be aware of.

House approves funding for emergency COVID-19 bills
Yesterday I voted with my colleagues to approve a package of emergency COVID-19 bills to help protect Minnesotans’ health and economic security. The legislation passed today includes, among other things, $9 million to the Department of Human Services for food security, $26.5 million for the Emergency Service Grants program to provide shelter for Minnesota’s homeless population, $30 million in one-time grants to child care providers, $10 million for small business loans, financial relief for Minnesota’s workers, and the necessary flexibility for state agencies to respond to the pandemic.

Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 27, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

The situation surrounding COVID-19 remains fluid and is changing by the day. Here are some important developments that you may have missed. And remember, please stay home if you can.

Governor Walz signs executive orders to halt evictions

This afternoon Governor Walz signed executive order 20-14 which will halt all evictions during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Evictions are especially devastating at a time like this not only because so many of us are financially insecure, but an increase in unhoused people during a pandemic would worsen the public health crisis. The order specifies that those of use who are still able to pay rent must do so. This order will give thousands of Minnesotans the respite they need to get through this crisis. You can read more about the order here. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 23, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

Here are some of the most recent developments related to COVID-19. A lot of important work is being done to see us through these uncertain times. Minnesota is continuing to be a leader in response to this pandemic.

Governor Walz issues more executive orders

Yesterday morning the governor issued three additional executive orders addressing the Covid-19 outbreak. Today, Governor Walz has issued Executive Order 20-03, Executive Order 20-06, and Executive 20-07 to further strengthen Minnesota’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The executive orders protect residents of Veterans Homes; exempt vehicles and drivers from certain regulations to ensure efficient emergency supply relief throughout the state; and provide paid leave and other support for state employees, respectively.

Minnesota Department of Revenue suspends sales tax for certain businesses. 

Here is a statement from the MN Department of Revenue: Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 19, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

Early this morning the House moved to adjourn until April 14th, but not before we voted to set aside emergency funding for a COVID response. The House and Senate will meet in floor and committee sessions on an on-call basis through April 14. During this time period, the Legislature will only take up legislation on the House and Senate floors by agreement of the House DFL, House GOP, Senate DFL and Senate GOP caucus leaders

Emergency COVID-19 investment in health care system

We stayed up past midnight last night to pass SF 4334, providing $200 million in investments for the health care response fund and Minnesota’s public health response contingency account. Above all we have a duty to provide our health care system with everything it needs to get us through this safely. The bill provides $150 million to the Minnesota Department of Health to make grants to eligible providers for costs related to managing COVID-19. As a condition of accepting a grant, the provider must agree not to bill uninsured patients for the cost of COVID-19 screening, testing, or treatment. If a patient is out-of-network, the provider must agree to accept the median network rate as payment in full. The additional $50 million is appropriated to the public health response contingency account, which allows MDH to make flexible payments throughout our healthcare system where needed. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 17, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

A lot of us will be entering uncharted territory in the coming weeks, but by following the advice of our health professionals and elected officials we will be able to make this process as painless as possible. Minnesota leadership is taking the actions needed to slow the spread of COVID-19, and now each and every one of us must do our part in this collective effort to save lives. Here is what you should know.

For our part, Legislators are here at the Capitol, poised to take any legislative action that may be necessary to implement the State’s emergency plans. I will be in my office most of the week, though my staff will be working from home, so calls will be rolling over to voice mail. Since all of our committee meetings have been cancelled, this week, I will be able to respond to constituent communications. Please call or e-mail rather than appearing, here, in person.

School Cancelations

Governor Walz announced over the weekend that Minnesota schools will be closed for at least eight days starting Wednesday March 18, though some schools may close earlier. This closure is to ensure the safety of our students and to give the schools time to prepare the best methods to teach remotely. This was certainly a tough call for Gov. Walz, but one I believe is for the benefit of all Minnesotans. You can watch the full statements of Gov. Walz and the Department of Education Commissioner Ricker here. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 16, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

Our District 49 Town Hall meeting scheduled for Monday, March 16 has been cancelled amid growing concerns regarding COVID-19. Please visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s website for more information.

I encourage you to continue to reach out to me via telephone (651-296-7803) or email at the Capitol anytime with questions or input.

I’m honored to represent our engaged community.

Sincerely,

Steve Elkins
State Representative