Dear neighbors,
Last Friday, my colleagues and I passed a bill to allow restaurants to sell beer and wine with takeout orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re committed to finding ways to get our economy up and running without putting Minnesotans’ lives at risk, and this was a good first step.
This legislation will help Minnesotans continue supporting their favorite local restaurants in addition to helping businesses keep their doors open, preserve jobs, and serve their customers safely. You can read more about it here.
Outdoor Recreation During COVID-19
Last Friday, Governor Walz issued an executive order to ensure Minnesotans can continue golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, and spending time outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, public and private parks and trails, bait shops, outdoor shooting ranges, golf courses and driving ranges, and boating and off-highway vehicle services will remain open. You can read the executive order here.
Please stay close to home, avoid crowded areas, and maintain a six-foot distance from others while spending time outdoors. I’d also like to remind you that you can purchase fishing and hunting licenses and register boats or ATVs online. More information about the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s online services is available here.
Extended Unemployment Benefits
Minnesota was one of the first states in the nation to implement the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which provides a 13-week extension of Unemployment Insurance benefits for eligible workers. If you’ve exhausted or will soon exhaust your unemployment benefits, you can find step-by-step instructions to apply for the extended benefits here or within your online account.
Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee Hearing
The Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee, which I chair, is holding a remote hearing this afternoon. We’ll be discussing a bill that allocates revenue from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The funds will support projects that conserve and enhance Minnesota’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.
If you’d like to watch the remote hearing, it will be livestreamed on the House website, Facebook Live, and YouTube at 12:45 p.m. You can view the agenda and supporting documents on the committee webpage, linked here.
Funding for the Minnesota Zoo
Last week, Governor Walz updated his budget proposal to include additional funding for the Minnesota Zoo. It now includes $6 million to ensure that animal care can continue and specialized facilities and equipment can be maintained during the pandemic. Governor Walz’s letter about this topic is available here.
Finally, I hope you you’re able to spend some time outdoors tomorrow. It’s the fiftieth anniversary of Earth Day!
I’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available. Please feel free to contact me with questions, feedback, and suggestions.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative