Tag: Liz Olson

Reps. Olson and Jordan introduce bill to help craft breweries and distilleries during COVID-19 crisis

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth) and Rep. Sydney Jordan (DFL – Minneapolis) introduced legislation to help Minnesota craft breweries and distilleries weather the downturn in business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill creates economic opportunity by temporarily relaxing rigid restrictions on off-sale beverages, allowing for limited to-go sales from taprooms and cocktail rooms.

“As we work to ensure all Minnesotans can be healthy and safe during this pandemic, our small businesses are experiencing economic turmoil. Just as the industries have turned a corner to become mainstream in our state, craft brewers and distillers are now fighting for their survival,” Rep. Olson said. “This bill is a reasonable and temporary step to help businesses stay afloat by offering their product to loyal customers until normal operations can resume.”

“With 12 breweries and 4 distilleries, 60A is the heart of Minnesota’s craft brewery and distillery industry,” Rep. Jordan said. “It is clear these businesses need the Legislature’s help to weather the COVID-19 crisis. This temporary measure to allow them to sell 4 and 6 packs for breweries and 750ml bottles for distilleries is necessary to keep our craft breweries and distilleries in business and thriving for years to come.” Continue reading “Reps. Olson and Jordan introduce bill to help craft breweries and distilleries during COVID-19 crisis”

Rep. Olson and Sen. Dibble introduce strong eldercare protections; bill endorsed by key consumer organizations

ST.PAUL, Minn. – Today, state Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth) and state Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL – Minneapolis) introduced a comprehensive package of legislation aimed at improving eldercare in the state of Minnesota, directly addressing abuse, assault, neglect and other maltreatment in Minnesota’s assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Many of the ideas and recommendations emerged last year from an Elder Abuse Consumer Workgroup convened by AARP Minnesota, which backs the legislation along with other organizations such as Elder Voice Family Advocates and Legal Aid.

“Minnesotans have an expectation that when they make the difficult decision to move into assisted living, they will receive the quality of care they need to age in place and maintain an excellent quality of life. But they also expect to do so free of the heartbreaking, abhorrent behaviors that have been highlighted far too frequently at the hands of the very people entrusted to care for them,” Rep. Olson said. “This package of reforms and protections has been carefully crafted with the likes of AARP and other groups to ensure our focus is on consumers and their wellbeing. It’s time for the Legislature to come together and get this done to protect our parents and grandparents and all older and vulnerable adults in Minnesota.” Continue reading “Rep. Olson and Sen. Dibble introduce strong eldercare protections; bill endorsed by key consumer organizations”

Rep. Olson introduces bill ensuring state action to end opioid crisis

St. Paul, Minnesota — State Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth) today announced plans to introduce a bill addressing Minnesota’s ongoing opioid crisis, which has resulted in tragic losses for families across the state. The legislation will establish an Opioid Stewardship Advisory Council to deliver grants focusing on education, intervention, treatment, training, and prevention strategies.

“Minnesotans are pleading with us to take action to protect people, and to do this we need a truly comprehensive strategy to save lives,” Rep. Olson said. “As families continue to experience unthinkable tragedies, Minnesotans can’t wait any longer for comprehensive strategies to end this crisis. I’m confident that we can work together in a bipartisan fashion to take action.”

Funding will for the advisory council’s grants will come from registration fees. In addition to the grants, the legislation expands coverage of pain management services and requires that companies perform comprehensive assessments of clients to better determine treatment options. Continue reading “Rep. Olson introduces bill ensuring state action to end opioid crisis”

House DFL Press Conference: January 9, 2019

Representative Liz Olson (DFL-Duluth), Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park), Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley) and others unveil the first 10 bills they intend to offer this session.

November 8, 2018 House DFL Media Availability

House Speaker-designate Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park), Majority Leader-elect Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley) and Majority Whip-elect Rep. Liz Olson (DFL-Duluth) held media availabilities following the DFL caucus organizational meeting.