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Dear neighbors,
My colleagues and I are working around the clock with the Governor and public health officials to respond to challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a rapidly evolving situation, so please stay tuned for updates.
School Cancellations
Over the weekend, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota schools will be temporarily closed so school administrators and teachers can make long-term plans for the continuity of education and essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools will be closed from Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27. During this time, schools will continue providing meals to students in need, mental health services, and care for elementary-age children of health care professionals, first responders, and other emergency workers to ensure Minnesota’s first line of defense against COVID-19 can stay on the job. If you have any questions about school and child care, you can visit www.education.mn.gov or call a state hotline at 651-297-1304.
Click here for information about nutrition services and child care for emergency workers for students that attend South St. Paul Schools. Click here to see similar resources for students from School District 197.
Temporary Closures and Support for Impacted Workers
Yesterday, Governor Walz ordered the temporary closure of Minnesota restaurants and bars. Starting today at 5 p.m., businesses can’t take dine-in customers. Takeout and pickup options are still permitted. Other venues, such as gyms, movie theaters, and museums, will close as well. The Governor is encouraging grocery stores and pharmacies to stay open so Minnesotans can still get the items they need.
In an effort to support the many Minnesotans affected by these closures, the Governor signed an Executive Order to strengthen Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and ensure that workers who aren’t able to work as a result of COVID-19 have benefits available. If your employment has been impacted by COVID-19, Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program is ready to help. More information about UI is available here. Workers and employers can also visit www.mn.gov/deed or call the state hotline at 661-259-7114 with questions or concerns.
Legislation to Address COVID-19
At 3 a.m. last night, we unanimously approved emergency funding that will help our health care system address COVID-19.
We’re working on passing several bills that would help Minnesotans navigate this pandemic, including legislation that would:
- Reduce financial barriers for Minnesotans who need testing and treatment.
- Expand unemployment insurance and paid leave.
- Ban price gouging of food and other necessary goods and services.
- Compensate hourly school workers for days canceled or missed due to COVID-19.
Although we’re continuing our work, we’ve made several changes to protect the health of members, staff, and our constituents. For the next few weeks, our focus will be on passing bills that are necessary to address the spread of COVID-19. Committee hearings and other public events will be limited due to social distancing guidelines. However, I encourage you to participate remotely and to continue contacting me via phone or email!
COVID-19 Information and Resources
As I mentioned in my last email, you can find up-to-date and accurate information about COVID-19 at www.health.state.mn.us. Click here to view the website in English, here for Spanish, here for Somali, and here for Hmong. You can also call the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)’s public hotline at 651-201-3920. The hours have been extended from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
I’ll continue updating you on this constantly evolving situation. Please remember that you can contact me anytime at 651-296-6828 or rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative
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