Tag: Minnesota House

House leadership encourages public to watch session remotely

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House leaders are encouraging members of the public to watch Thursday’s legislative session remotely instead of coming to the State Capitol.

“We have to take steps to keep legislators, staff, and the public safe,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “We will continue to follow guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health when we convene and as a result, we strongly encourage members of the public to watch the floor session from off-site.”

“The Minnesota House of Representatives is continuing to re-engineer how we work in the face of a global pandemic and that requires efforts by all of us to keep everyone safe,” added Majority Leader Winkler. “The public can continue reaching out to us in a variety of ways that do not involve coming to the Capitol. We continue to urge everyone to stay home if at all possible.”

Members of the public can watch the House floor session on the House website, YouTube, and on TPT Minnesota. Video from all floor sessions is archived here.

 

Statement from Speaker Hortman on legislative activity

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA— Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman released the following statement on legislative activity:

“State Representatives are working to craft measures to assist Minnesotans coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and its related disruptions. We know that Minnesotans are facing significant medical concerns and financial hardships, and the Minnesota House of Representatives is working hard with the goal of a legislative session on Thursday to pass legislation to safeguard their health and economic well-being.

“The House is working via informal working groups, which mirror the existing committee structure. We are working to create opportunities for the public to engage and offer their feedback. In addition to reaching out to their representatives directly, members of the public may use a feedback form on the House website. We are working to implement a virtual committee hearing process that would be open to the public as soon as possible. DFL State Representatives alone have received input from and responded to thousands of constituents over the last week. We encourage members of the public to continue reaching out to their legislators. Continue reading “Statement from Speaker Hortman on legislative activity”

Statement from Speaker Hortman on Presumed Case of COVID-19 in the House

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman released the following statement:

“Today, we learned that an individual who works for the Minnesota House of Representatives was found to have a presumed case of COVID-19. Due to health privacy laws and HR policies, we will not be disclosing any further information on the individual. The Minnesota House of Representatives is continuing to follow the guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health to keep legislators, staff, and the public safe as we do our work to respond to this pandemic. We ask that anyone with questions contact the MDH hotline and not members or staff of the House. We cannot provide any further information beyond what has been released here.”

The following is an email sent to all members and staff from Kelly Knight, Director of HR for the Minnesota House of Representatives:

Colleagues,

We have been notified that someone who works for the House has been confirmed to have a presumptive case of COVID-19. It is possible that employees working at the State Office Building and the Capitol may have been exposed. While we understand your interest in knowing as many details as possible, we cannot share nor discuss individual personal health information. We also ask that you refrain from discussing your colleagues’ personal health information with others. If you have been identified as having contact with this individual within the MDH social distancing guidelines, you will be contacted directly by HR.

 If you experience symptoms of a respiratory illness (cough, fever, sore throat) or think you may have been exposed or infected with COVID-19, please contact your health provider and inform human resources.  Any personal health information employees provide will be maintained confidentially.

 The health and safety of employees and the public is our priority, and we continue to follow and implement MDH guidelines for responding to COVID-19. If you have questions you can find additional information on COVID-19, at the MDH website or the CDC website or you may contact:

MDH COVID-19 Hotline: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any specific questions or concerns you may have.  I know that this is an uncertain time. We will do our best to keep you updated as we have additional information.

 Thanks,

Kelly

 

Minnesota House of Representatives passes emergency COVID-19 investments in health care system

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — The Minnesota House of Representatives has passed SF 4334, which provides $200 million in investments for a health care response fund and Minnesota’s public health response contingency account.

“While each of us is working as hard as we can to decrease the risk of transmission, we must ensure our health care providers have the resources they need to take care of Minnesotans who may be afflicted with COVID-19,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “These investments are critical to addressing this pandemic and making sure Minnesotans who get sick get the care they need.”

“We’re taking a strong emergency step to help our healthcare system and Minnesotans who will need care,” said House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “This is just the first of many issues that we will need to address in the coming weeks and months. We will continue to work together with the Walz Administration and the Minnesota Senate to help the people of Minnesota navigate this public health crisis.” Continue reading “Minnesota House of Representatives passes emergency COVID-19 investments in health care system”

House, Senate pass $200 million for health care providers in fight against COVID-19

In the early hours of Tuesday, the House passed a bill to provide $200 million for health care providers in need of support to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

HF3980/SF4334* was passed 108-0 at about 3:10 a.m. after the Senate passed it 55-0 less than an hour earlier. It now goes to Gov. Tim Walz for an expected signature.

“This bill is … truly urgent,” said Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester), who sponsors the bill with Sen. Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake). “We are potentially in a very dire situation.”

The bill would provide two funding pools:

  • $50 million under the state’s public health response contingency account, which has rules built in that would allow the money to get where it’s needed quickly; and
  • $150 million to create a health care response fund in the state treasury, which would be used to make grants and take a little longer to reach the beneficiaries. Any money left over on Feb. 1, 2021 would be returned to the General Fund and the section would sunset on June 30, 2022.

Both would be accessible by care providers including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, nursing facilities, health care facilities, ambulance services, and settings in which assisted living services or health care services are provided.

Read the full story at Session Daily

Statement from House & Senate leaders regarding legislative operations

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Melissa Hortman, House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, and Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent released the following statement regarding legislative operations in the wake of COVID-19:

“Over the next few weeks, the Minnesota Legislature will continue to work, but by alternative means. We expect to operate efficiently and safely to aid Minnesotans with COVID-19 preparedness and response, and to continue our work to address other pressing needs of the state. While it’s important that we remain in session to swiftly respond to the needs of Minnesotans at this time, we will fully comply with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines including social distancing, limiting large gatherings, telework, and increased cleaning measures. 

“The Legislative bodies and committees will meet in floor and committee session on an on-call basis from March 16 through April 14. This means there will not be standing floor and committee meetings, but we will meet on the House and Senate floors and in committees with advance notice to members and to the public. All meetings will be held in spaces that allow six feet of distance between individuals. We will implement telework arrangements for legislative employees where it is possible to do so. We encourage Minnesotans to continue to reach out to their legislators by email, telephone and mail during this period while we are operating via alternate means. We intend to take up legislation on the House and Senate floors during this time period only by agreement of the House DFL, House GOP, Senate DFL and Senate GOP caucus leaders.

“We are working together to ensure the safety of our members, our staff, and the public at this time.”

Legislative leaders will hold a media availability on Monday, March 16 at 10:30 AM in Room 1300 of the Senate Office Building to discuss these changes and what to expect in the week ahead.

 

Minnesota House leaders, legislators introduce additional COVID-19 preparedness legislation

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA— One day after Governor Walz signed legislation authorizing $21 million in public health funding, Minnesota House leaders and legislators introduced a package of legislation to help ensure Minnesota is prepared to respond to COVID-19.

“I’m very pleased that we were able to move quickly — with unanimous support in the House and Senate — to provide the Minnesota Department of Health with additional resources, but there are likely to be additional challenges facing Minnesotans,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “This is a rapidly-evolving situation and we need to ensure Minnesota is as prepared as possible.”

“We have several issues that need to be addressed now,” said House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “We are committed to continuing to work together with the Walz Administration and the Minnesota Senate to help the people of Minnesota navigate this public health crisis.”

The package of legislation includes:

HF 4326 (Liebling) – Emergency Powers

  • Currently, the governor can declare a peacetime emergency that:
    • Authorizes the governor to exercise emergency powers (e.g., expedited contracting, rules have full force and effect of law, etc.)
    • Cannot be continued for more than five days unless extended by resolution of the Executive Council up to 30 days
  • Current types of peacetime emergencies: act of nature, technological failure or malfunction, terrorist incident, industrial accident, hazardous materials accident, civil disturbance
  • HF 4326 explicitly lists public health emergencies as possible peacetime emergencies.
    • Allows public health emergencies to continue up to 90 days, which is only 30 days currently.

HF 3980 (Liebling) – Revolving Loan Account

  • Establishes health care response revolving account (GF transfer)
  • Dept. of Health (MDH) makes no/low-interest loans to providers, clinics, facilities, health systems
  • Loans address planning/preparing/responding costs related to an outbreak
  • MDH prioritizes loans based on:
    • Needs across the health care system; and
    • Whether the provider, clinic, facility, or health system has insufficient access to other resources to respond or would be financially at-risk without a loan
  • Loan uses include (but aren’t limited to): staffing, training and coordination, purchase of supplies (protective and to treat patients), development/implementation of screening, and isolation of patients

HF 4414 (Noor) – Unemployment Insurance and sick leave benefits expanded during an outbreak of a communicable disease

  • In the case of an outbreak of a communicable disease, a worker can collect Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits without seeking suitable employment, when
    • the worker is quarantined or jeopardizes the health of others by being in the community, or
    • the employer shuts down temporarily because of the outbreak or tells workers not to come in.
  • In the case of an outbreak of a communicable disease, permissible uses of paid sick leave are expanded to include cases where
    • the worker is quarantined or jeopardizes the health of others, or
    • the employer shuts down or tells workers not to come in because of an outbreak of a communicable disease.

HF 4415 (Davnie) – Hourly school workers compensated for days canceled due to COVID-19

  • This bill ensures that hourly workers employed by school districts are compensated their hourly rate of pay:
    • During a school closure,
    • If an hourly worker is infected by COVID-19 and has to miss work,
    • If they are deemed as non-essential employees and are sent home from work, normally that would mean they wouldn’t get paid.

HF  4416 (Schultz) – Health Plans Cover Testing, Treatment, and Quarantine without Cost-Sharing

  • Health plans must cover testing, treatment, and quarantine costs related to COVID-19.
  • Coverage must be provided—and on the same basis—regardless of whether the provider is participating or nonparticipating.
  • Plans can’t charge cost-sharing (deductibles, coinsurance, co-pay) for testing, treatment, quarantine for COVID-19
  • Repealed when MDH determines COVID-19 is no longer a public health threat.

HF TBD (Xiong, J.) – Ban on price gouging goods and services in time of an emergency

  • Deters price gouging during a declared state of emergency by placing a 10% limit on the amount that certain products and services can increase in price.
  • Upon proclamation of emergency, it is illegal to sell certain goods and services for a price greater than 10% above the price charged immediately prior to the proclamation for 30 days.
  • Products and services include:
    • Building materials
    • Consumer food items
    • Emergency supplies
    • Gasoline
    • Medical supplies
    • Repair or reconstruction services
    • Transportation, freight, and storage services
  • The state of emergency may be declared by local officials, the Governor, or the President of the United States for a period of 30 days. That time period may be extended in 30-day increments as needed.

Minnesotans are reminded to take basic precautions to prevent the spread of the illness, including frequent, thorough hand washing, covering their cough with their sleeve, and staying home when sick.

The Minnesota Department of Health has comprehensive information on its website, and a hotline is available at 651-201-3920.

Minnesota House quickly approves funding for coronavirus response

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — The Minnesota House of Representatives today voted to approve funding for the state’s public health response to COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus. The first presumed positive case of the condition was identified on Friday in Ramsey County, with the second following Sunday in Carver County.

“We all recognize the urgency of acting quickly to ensure our public health professionals have the resources they need to respond if COVID-19 spreads,” said Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester), the House Health and Human Service Finance Division chair and the legislation’s chief House author. “The Department of Health is well prepared to test for the condition, and officials are working closely with hospitals, clinics and other care providers. The investments lawmakers approved today will help ensure the coordinated response process can be as seamless as possible.”

The legislation transfers nearly $21 million to the state’s public health response contingency account to address COVID-19 from the state’s general fund. The bill also includes flexibility to ensure the state is effectively able to address any future strain of the virus. Continue reading “Minnesota House quickly approves funding for coronavirus response”

Lawmakers, community leaders announce legislation to strengthen student mental health with improved school-based supports

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – A group of state lawmakers, students, educators, a police chief and mental health experts all gathered at the State Capitol Monday for a common purpose: to strengthen school-based support for students struggling with mental health.

“There is a significant urgency to us addressing this issue. Youth mental health struggles became very real for my family when my son’s friend took his own life. This is something no friend, classmate, teacher, neighbor, or family member should have to go through,” said Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL – Shoreview), chief author of two key pieces of student mental health legislation in the House. “We can’t solve the problem overnight, but we’ve identified shortcomings we’re able to remove right now to help students access the support they need for a strong social and emotional wellbeing.”

Chief Brian Podany of the Blaine Police Department noted six students in the Blaine area have taken their lives this school year alone.

“Our youth are under a greater amount of stress than virtually any time in history,” Chief Podany said. “Mental health challenges are rising at an alarming rate and we need to come together collectively to support our youth. Rep. Moller’s proposed legislation is an important part of this effort and I hope lawmakers will support it.”

Currently, only teachers in licensure Tiers 3 and 4 – the most experienced teachers – are required to receive suicide prevention training upon renewal of their license. Under HF 3001/SF 3236, this requirement would expand to all classroom teachers to help them more effectively understand key warning signs of mental illness, learn suicide prevention best practices, and over the long-term, develop a more in-depth understanding of trauma. Additionally, the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) would be charged with developing training standards.

“As a former teacher, principal and coach, I’ve seen kids struggle with mental health issues and the lack of resources and training for teachers to deal with these issues in our schools,” said bill author Sen. Greg Clausen (DFL – Apple Valley). “These bills are a great step forward in training teachers on what to look for and how to deal with mental health issues.”

Another bill lawmakers and community members are advocating for is HF 3219/SF 3069 which would create the position of Director of Comprehensive Mental Health Services within the Minnesota Department of Education to share high-level mental health guidance with districts. The individual appointed would develop and disseminate evidence-based resources, tools, and practices to school districts across the state, and implement a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to suicide prevention.

“Many students are struggling with issues related to their mental health. We are failing to provide the strong support they need and deserve,” said Sen. Chuck Wiger (DFL – Maplewood), bill author and DFL-lead on the Senate E-12 Education Committee. “We need to step up and give them more support for positive interventions they need to thrive—not just in the classroom, but in the rest of their lives. This is a step in the right direction, and would provide tremendous value to our students throughout Minnesota.”

Both bills will be considered at a public hearing of the House Education Policy Committee Tuesday evening. The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. in Room 5 of the State Office Building. In the Senate, action is pending in the E-12 Education Committee.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255, and provides free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resources. In Minnesota, help is available via the Crisis Text Line by texting “MN” to 741741.

Everyone deserves the freedom and financial flexibility provided by Paid Family and Medical Leave

Every year, thousands of Minnesotans are faced with a difficult dilemma: go to work and earn a living or stay at home to care for a new, aging, or sick family member. This impossible conundrum pits work against family, putting many Minnesotans in dire financial circumstances that unnecessarily strain both them and their communities.

During this last legislative session, Minnesota’s DFL-House passed a bill that could have alleviated the burden of affording at-home care. Unfortunately for families across Minnesota, Republicans let the bill die in the Senate. Once again, Republicans failed to grasp the importance of measures like Paid Family and Medical Leave, which would help establish a stable financial foundation for Minnesota workers currently struggling to balance earning an income and caring for their families.

Today, 59 percent of Minnesotans lack access to any sort of family or medical leave, and only about 15 percent of Minnesotans have access to ?paid family or medical leave through their employer. Important to remember is that most of us will one day be confronted by the choice between working a job and providing at-home care, and 66 percent of voters in the U.S. agree they would likely face severe financial difficulty if forced to take unpaid family or medical leave. Continue reading “Everyone deserves the freedom and financial flexibility provided by Paid Family and Medical Leave”