Tag: Week in Review

Minnesota Senate DFL Week in Review — Week 1

2021 Legislative Session Begins 
and everything happening in the Legislature this week.

2021 legislative session begins after a tumultuous 2020

Minnesotans faced unprecedented disruption in 2020 with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and the unrest following the murder of George Floyd. Read more >>

DFL Senators take the oath of office

The 91st Minnesota Legislature began with an unprecedented first day. All senators were sworn in through socially distant procedures, with several senators choosing to take their oaths of office remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more >>

Rioting and looting in our nation’s Capitol

Our democracy was assaulted this week when a violent mob stormed the United States Capitol during the certification of the electoral votes. This was a shocking and unprecedented incident in the history of the country. Read more >>

2021 Inaugural Class of DFL Senators

More of What Happened This Week

Governor Walz’s announces easing of COVID-19 restrictions
Inaugural class of DFL senators hold press conference
Engaging with the Legislature virtually

E-12 Committee hear about schools re-opening; no specific plans outlined

Aging and Long-Term Care Committee hears COVID-19 vaccine update

Minnesota House Week in Review: April 27 to May 1

WEEK IN REVIEW

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A look back at what happened in the Minnesota House of Representatives the week of April 27- May 1

Monday will mark two weeks until the 2020 legislative session must constitutionally come to an end – the first Monday after the third Sunday in May. This year that’s May 18.

What will happen between now and then is even less predictable than usual given the unprecedented circumstances, but the House will certainly be busy if next week’s schedule is any indication. Continue reading “Minnesota House Week in Review: April 27 to May 1”

Minnesota Senate DFL Week in Review: May 1, 2020

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Economic security amidst a pandemic
and everything happening in the Legislature this week.
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Senate and House DFL outline COVID-19 economic security agenda

Economic security is the ability for all people in our communities to have their essential needs met with sustainably and dignity. Unfortunately, the very people who are least likely to have economic security before COVID-19 are being hit hardest by our current public health crisis. The latest >>

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Stay-at-Home Order extended to May 18

Minnesota has experienced significant breakthroughs in flattening the curve since the first confirmed COVID-19 case on March 6. However, as we gradually reopen the economy, it is important to remember cases are still on the rise, and we still must cautiously approach safely resuming our normal way of life. Read more>>

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Republican tax bill makes promises it can’t keep

The Minnesota Senate passed a $327 million tax package on Thursday, just days before the state will learn just how deeply the COVID-19 pandemic is beginning to affect the state’s budget. State economic experts are due to release updated budget projections on May 5 to help guide spending decisions during the final weeks of the legislative session. The latest>>

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It takes a village – thank you!

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Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Act moves to Senate floor Senate Bonding Committee holds first hearing DEED begins making pandemic unemployment assistance payments
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Transportation Omnibus Bill passes committee Senate Republicans continue to choose winners and losers

Legislation establishes telemedicine and broadband aid for distance learning

 Omnibus Environment Bill moves to Senate floor

Long-fought TCE ban passes Senate
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Emergency housing assistance and eviction protection

Farm Advocate funding advances

 Vote-by-mail has wide support amongst Minnesotans

Pension Amendment to benefit health care workers

 Bill would help train teachers for concurrent enrollment courses

Distance learning continues to end of school year

Legislation to help students, essential school staff is stopped in committee
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New COVID-19 website announced that will connect Minnesotans with testing resources

Executive Order leaves behind Minnesota health care workers looking to help

Legislature looks to expand insurance coverage for women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer

Minnesotans will maintain access to essential services regardless of whether they receive certain COVID-19 relief payments

 Governor Walz modifies Executive Order to allow elective procedures

Avoiding scams during COVID-19

Governor Walz clarifies Executive Order on homeless encampments

Current and former customers of Frontier Communications may be eligible for financial compensation

MVP Day of Action held this week to support front-line workers

State-level resources for Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic
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The Minnesota Senate DFL is committed to working together to build the state all Minnesotans deserve with high-quality education, affordable and accessible health care, and increasing support for working families. The values we share bring our communities together and serve as a guide for how we make our state work better for all of us, no matter what we look like or where we come from.

 

Minnesota House Week in Review: April 17, 2020

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WEEK IN REVIEW

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A look back at what happened in the Minnesota House of Representatives the week of April 13-17

Two House floor sessions marked a slight return to a more normal schedule this week as legislative activity picked up and the nuts and bolts of distanced meetings became a bit easier.

Members mostly dealt with issues related to the COVID-19 outbreak, passing a package of provisions that address the crisis in a number of different areas, while discussing further measures that may be needed. Continue reading “Minnesota House Week in Review: April 17, 2020”

Minnesota Senate DFL: Week in Review

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Affordable insulin is a reality in Minnesota
and everything happening in the Legislature this week.

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Legislature passes the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act

After more than a year of hard work and negotiation, the Minnesota Legislature passed the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act this week to create an emergency insulin access program and ongoing support programs. Read more>>

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Continue reading “Minnesota Senate DFL: Week in Review”

Minnesota House Week in Review: April 6 through 10, 2020

WEEK IN REVIEW

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A look back at what happened in the Minnesota House of Representatives the week of April 6-10

Although behind-the-scenes work has been ongoing, lawmakers began meeting again officially this past week, albeit remotely.

One of the more unusual weeks in legislative history began Sunday night when Gov. Tim Walz delivered his annual State of the State address from his residence, a distancing precaution the Legislature will also follow for the foreseeable future as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Continue reading “Minnesota House Week in Review: April 6 through 10, 2020”

Senate DFL Week in Review: Week 9

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Stay-at-Home Order Extended
and everything happening in the Legislature this week.
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Governor extends the stay-at-home order

As a recommendation from the CDC, Governor Walz announced an executive order this week that will extend the current stay-at-home order in place. Minnesota will now practice and implement further social distancing measures until May 4, as opposed to the former end date of April 10. Read more >>

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Workers’ compensation for front line workers

Legislators passed a bill this week that will ensure health care workers, emergency responders, childcare workers, and other similarly situated critical employees have access to workers’ compensation benefits if they contract COVID-19 while working. Read more >>

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2020 Legislature continues to meet to address needs of Minnesotans

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. Read more >>

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This Week in the Senate

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Minnesotans are urged to enjoy the outdoors — but stay close to home

 

 Need for election safety funding becomes apparent Next week’s tax deadline delayed for some
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U of M predicts substantial revenue losses from COVID-19

U of M Regents increase refunds for students

 2020 road construction season begins

Senate COVID working group meets on transportation

 Next week’s tax deadline delayed for some
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COVID crisis exacerbates disparities in Minnesota

Undocumented immigrants at-risk during COVID crisis

COVID-19 workgroup looks at economy and state budget

 The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act passes through conference committee

COVID-19 workgroup hears from the health care industry

COVID-19 working group looks at long-term care industry

Telemedicine restrictions loosened in response to COVID-19

Test to see if a person has recovered from COVID-19 being developed

 Governor unveils new dashboard for tracking COVID in Minnesota

Hotline established to help victims of discrimination, hate crimes

Minnesota to receive federal disaster assistance

State of The State address strikes tone of unity

State-level resources for Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic
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The Minnesota Senate DFL is committed to working together to build the state all Minnesotans deserve with high-quality education, affordable and accessible health care, and increasing support for working families. The values we share bring our communities together and serve as a guide for how we make our state work better for all of us, no matter what we look like or where we come from.

Minnesota Senate DFL Week in Review: April 3, 2020

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The fight for hourly school employees
and everything happening in the Legislature this week.
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Hourly school workers deserve a paycheck

One of the most significant disruptions of COVID-19 has been in our schools, where classes can no longer meet in person. Students, teachers, support staff, and administrators have had to put a plan in place for continuing education for the next several weeks. The latest >>

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Continue reading “Minnesota Senate DFL Week in Review: April 3, 2020”

Minnesota Senate Week in Review: Week Six

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Minnesota’s Response to COVID-19
and everything happening in the Legislature this week.
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New measures adopted at Legislature in response to COVID-19

Responding to the impact of the coronavirus strain COVID-19 this past week became more urgent at both the state level and at the Minnesota Legislature. The latest >>

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MN Legislature passes $200 million COVID-19 funding bill

The Legislature passed a bill appropriating $200 million in funding to support our state’s healthcare system this week, in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more >>

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Sales tax deadline extended  for businesses impacted by closure

Businesses such as bars, restaurants, and salons that were required to temporarily close under this week’s Executive Order will have an extra month to remit February’s sales tax collections. Read more >>

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What is Social Distancing?

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Governor closes schools until at least March 27 Gun violence prevention advocates find innovative ways to have their voices heard State, federal income tax deadline remains April 15
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Drivers’ License Renewal and REAL ID updates forthcoming due to COVID-19 Supporting disability services and long-term care providers impacted by COVID-19

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Insulin Bill: House vs Senate

 Employment and economic development resources during COVID-19

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Housing support during COVID-19
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Census Day is approaching

The United States Census will be counting every Minnesotan this year.

DFL prioritizes the conversion “therapy” ban for following session

Officially classified as a form of torture by the United Nations, conversion “therapy” is a practice that adheres to the misguided and false belief that sexual orientation is a mental illness that can be changed with “therapeutic” practices.

Metro Transit suspends overnight hours

Metro Transit announced this week it is suspending bus and light rail services between 11 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
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The Minnesota Senate DFL is committed to working together to build the state all Minnesotans deserve with high-quality education, affordable and accessible health care, and increasing support for working families. The values we share bring our communities together and serve as a guide for how we make our state work better for all of us, no matter what we look like or where we come from.

Minnesota Senate Week in Review: March 13, 2020

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Minnesota Senate DFL Passes Emergency Insulin Program
and everything happening in the Legislature this week.
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Insulin affordability passes Senate, work remains

The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act bill passed this week is a significant first step. We’re glad Senate Republicans have finally decided to work towards a solution, but it is disappointing their insulin affordability bill comes more than a year since the Senate DFL first introduced the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act. The latest >>

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Walz signs coronavirus response bill

This week, Governor Walz signed into law a bill appropriating nearly $21 million in funds to be added to Minnesota’s public health response contingency account. Continue reading >>

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Senate Republicans continue to fail at keeping Minnesotans safe

Senate Republicans held a Judiciary Committee hearing this week focused on what they are calling their public safety and violence prevention package. Ironically, their package will do very little to keep Minnesotans safe or prevent gun violence. Read more >>

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Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act

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Helping farmers with low-interest loans

Farm safety bills heard in agriculture finance

 

 Costly civics test added to high school reporting requirements

Bill could hurt Urban Educator/Teachers of Color program

 Senate DFLers work to end homelessness for veterans
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Republicans can do better to hold down the cost of prescription drugs Energy Committee approves bills to lift nuclear power moratorium, remove hydropower limits Republican bill to stop clean cars clears another committee hurdle
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DFL legislation for Highway 14 funding cruises through first committee

Partisan Metro Transit surveillance bill passes

Third-party driving tests present conflict of interest

 U of M, MinnState discuss Covid-19 protocols with Higher Education Committee Voter suppression continues through committees
 

DFL legislators explore first responder confidentiality

Legislation to protect confidentiality during peer support activities would ensure our first responders are mentally taken care of during their work and healthier overall.

Governor Walz releases supplemental budget recommendations

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz released his supplemental budget recommendations this week, urging budgetary caution amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Solutions for better mental health resources for students

DFL Senators along with DFL House legislators, students, and education professionals held a press conference this week to raise awareness of the mental health crisis in Minnesota schools and to advocate for greater school-based support for students struggling with mental health issues.
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The Minnesota Senate DFL is committed to working together to build the state all Minnesotans deserve with high-quality education, affordable and accessible health care, and increasing support for working families. The values we share bring our communities together and serve as a guide for how we make our state work better for all of us, no matter what we look like or where we come from.