Session Update                                           April 24, 2020

Weekly Video

A weekly message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

The Senate met this week at the Capitol and passed the Prescription Drug Pricing Transparency Act along with additional technical bills addressing amusement ride operators and county family child care licensing. The legislature is meeting more regularly as we near the end of the legislative session.

We celebrated the 50th anniversary of Earth Day this week. Minnesota is home to rich ecosystems that inhabit our 10,000 lakes, the Boundary Waters, Northwoods, rich farmable land, and much more. Our state truly has so much to offer, but with the ever-growing threat of climate change around every corner, it’s more important now than ever that we do our part to take care of our beautiful state. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: April 24, 2020”

Here is a link to our first virtual Town Hall!

A message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

While we are still meeting mostly virtually, the Senate is continuing to do their work through Zoom committee meetings and more regular floor sessions while following proper social distancing guidelines.

The sacrifices every Minnesotan has been asked to make these last few weeks are hard, but they are working. Staying at home has cost us a lot, but it has also bought our public health care network invaluable time in building out its ability to prepare. This week, Governor Walz announced the re-opening of outdoor spaces like golf courses, state parks, and recreation areas where social distancing guidelines are followed to get us all through this time. Here is a link to the order released Friday. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: April 17, 2020”

COVID-19 Update                                    April 10, 2020

Weekly Review Video

A weekly message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

The Minnesota Legislature will next meet in session on April 14 to take up legislation to provide insulin for uninsured Minnesotans with diabetes or those who can’t afford it, in addition to other potential priorities specific to the COVID-19 crisis.

It is important for the Legislature to continue meet and pass legislation to make sure Minnesotans are protected and we come out of the pandemic in the strongest economic position possible. This week, the Legislature proved it can do so in a safe and effective manner by establishing procedures for remote voting that limit personal contact within the Capitol. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: April 10, 2020”

Weekly Review Video

A weekly message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

While the legislature is currently still meeting on an on-call basis, know that talks continue through emails, phone calls, and Zoom meetings to ensure that we are addressing those who need relief most due to COVID-19. In the upcoming weeks, the legislature is planning to meet again to include those missed in the first COVID relief bills including school hourly workers, grants for disability and mental health services, and additional protection for first responders and healthcare providers.

The legislature has been working to be more responsive and open to public input, so this week we tested committee meetings through Zoom. Below you can find more information about how to follow along with the legislature as we test out ways to virtually open up meetings and include public input, which is a necessary component of crafting legislation. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: April 3, 2020”

From the floor this week:

We cannot afford to have our child care centers close for good. Our essential workers need child care to support our communities during this pandemic – I stood on the Senate floor in support of the families of our essential workers, and I’m proud this legislation passed.

A message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

Things are looking different in how business is done at the Legislature for the next several weeks. The Legislature is following the guidelines of the Minnesota Department of Health surrounding social distancing: six feet of distance is maintained between people, in-person meetings are being extremely limited, staff are encouraged to telecommute whenever possible, and senators are in recess, only returning to pass emergency COVID response legislation or legislation agreed upon by all legislative caucuses before heading to the floor. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: March 27, 2020”

COVID-19 Video Update

Dear Constituents and Friends,

I am aware of your concerns and questions about the COVID-19 response here at the Capitol and in Minnesota. This newsletter will hopefully answer your questions and relieve some of your concerns.

As of this writing, public health authorities are aware of 54 cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota. You can call the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 hotline at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with any questions you have.

Governor Walz Issues Declaration to Close Restaurants, Bars, and Other Places of Public Amusement

This evening, Governor Tim Walz signed Executive Order 20-04 to order the temporary closure of Minnesota restaurants and bars to dine-in customers in response to the growing number of positive COVID-19 cases in Minnesota. He also ordered the temporary closure of other places of public accommodation and amusement, including theaters, museums, fitness centers, and community clubs. These changes will go into effect  March 17th at 5pm.

Key points to know: Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: March 17, 2020”

Volume 6, Issue 5                    March 13, 2020

Weekly Review Video

A weekly message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

The Capitol remains busy as we received a lot of updates this week on the increasing spread of COVID-19 in our state and across the world. The situation remains fluid, but we are working together as a legislature to pass proper funding and provide up-to-date information to the community as soon as we know it from the Minnesota Department of Health. There is more information about the State of Minnesota’s response below. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: March 13, 2020”

Volume 6, Issue 4               March 6, 2020

Clips from the Week

A weekly message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

A big thank you to everyone who made it to STEM Advocacy Day on Monday. STEM advocates and FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics teams joined together at the Capitol this week for a day of advocacy and demonstrations showcasing the benefits STEM education can provide Minnesota students. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: March 6, 2020”