Tag: Rep. Carlson

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: May 9, 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”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: April 23, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I’m pleased to share major news from the Capitol that Minnesota has made a breakthrough that will allow us to lead the nation, and potentially the world, in testing for COVID-19. This milestone is the result of teamwork and collaboration between the Legislature, Governor Walz, private sector leaders like the Mayo Clinic, public research institutions like the University of Minnesota, and the people of Minnesota.

We’ve now launched a statewide testing strategy to test all symptomatic people, isolate confirmed cases, and expand public health surveillance tools. By building capacity to test as many as 20,000 Minnesotans per day, this increased testing and tracing will help improve control of this pandemic and support the safe re-opening of society.

You can watch a video replay of the announcement on the Governor’s YouTube channel. Click here to read coverage from the Star Tribune. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: April 23, 2020”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: April 17, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

The Legislature continues to work on a bipartisan basis with Governor Walz and the people of Minnesota to address the economic hardship created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a brief update about major events that happened over the past week.

House and Senate pass legislation allowing takeout wine and beer

Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation to allow takeout sales of beer and wine from bars and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bars and restaurants with liquor licenses can sell up to 72 ounces – the equivalent of one six-pack – of beer, cider or hard seltzer and up to 750 milliliters of wine – the equivalent of one bottle – with food orders upon the bill’s enactment. The alcoholic beverages must be sold in their original, unopened containers. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: April 17, 2020”

Minnesota House Ways and Means Committee Holds Remote Hearing

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, the House Ways and Means Committee held a remote hearing where members were given a presentation by MMB Commissioner Myron Frans and State Economist Dr. Laura Kalambokidis regarding the quarterly economic outlook, and an update on COVID-19 related federal funding.

“Minnesota is going through unprecedented economic times. It is critical that we work early and often to balance the budget before the end of the fiscal year,” said Rep. Lyndon Carlson (DFL – Crystal), chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. “It is too early to say just how much COVID-19 will cost Minnesota, both in loss of revenue and increased spending to manage the virus. Regardless of the final budget forecast, House Ways and Means will fulfill its constitutional duty to balance the budget.” Continue reading “Minnesota House Ways and Means Committee Holds Remote Hearing”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: April 7, 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”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: April 6, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

The Legislature is reconvening at noon on Tuesday, April 7 to pass a bill to ensure health care workers and first responders on the front lines fighting this public health crisis are eligible for workers’ compensation in the unfortunate event that they contract COVID-19. You can watch live video of the vote at www.house.mn/live/1.

Our first responders and health care professionals are putting their health and safety in jeopardy every day, and I am very pleased an agreement was reached that will give them and their families a safety net. Moving this bill across the finish line is a big victory for Minnesota’s firefighters, police officers, nurses, EMS personnel, health care professionals, and home health care workers.

For tomorrow’s update, I’ll explain the bill in greater detail and let you know specifically how first responders and health care workers will benefit. Click here to read a copy of the bill.  

Sincerely,

Andrew Carlson
State Representative

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD48B) Update: March 29, 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”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD60B) Update: March 22, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

During these unprecedented times, Minnesotans continue to care for each other. Click here to read a heartwarming story in today’s edition of the Star Tribune about the extraordinary acts of kindness and generosity happening in Minnesota communities.

This email includes the latest news, updates, and resources for Minnesotans who have questions about the COVID-19 pandemic. My office is a resource that is available to help you navigate public agencies that are providing financial support for workers and small businesses.

House staff are tele-commuting in order to comply with public health guidelines, so if you call my office at 651-296-4218, please be prepared to leave a voicemail message and include your full contact information. You can also send an email to rep.andrew.carlson@house.mn. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD60B) Update: March 22, 2020”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: March 19, 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”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: March 16, 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”