March 18, 2020
News Release
Reps. Fabian, Kiel still working for constituents amid COVID-19 outbreak
ST. PAUL – Representative Dan Fabian, R-Roseau, and Representative Deb Kiel, R-Crookston, said they will continue working to represent the citizens of District 1A and 1B, even as the Minnesota House of Representatives’ daily operations have been altered amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The Minnesota House will remain in session as the state addresses the pressing public health issue surrounding COVID-19, with meetings and floor sessions taking place on an on-call basis until April 14.
Early Tuesday morning, the Minnesota House of Representatives unanimously passed (108-0) a bill to approve nearly $200 million in additional funding to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill provides $50 million to the Public Health Response Contingency Account for use by providers, ambulance services, health care clinics, hospitals, and long term care facilities. It also allocates $150 million to the newly-created Health Care Response Fund for grants to providers for costs necessary for COVID-19 response.
The bill includes protections for taxpayers including canceling unspent money back to the general fund, legislative oversight, and consequences for unauthorized spending of grant funds.
“This situation is unprecedented in our lifetime, and it is incredibly important to us that we maintain communication with our constituents,” said Fabian. “We are working hard to support the needs of our constituents as well as remaining available to be at the Capitol for legislative action when necessary.”
During the crisis, Reps. Fabian and Kiel urge those who want to help their neighbors in need to contact local charities or churches for ways to help, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines of social distancing, hand washing, and other ways to stop the spread of the virus.
“I want to stress the importance of adhering to the guidelines set forth by MDH to help stop the spread of this virus,” Kiel said. “During this difficult time, our offices remain available to assist our constituents, and I would encourage those who need help at the state level to reach out to us. We will continue to do all we can to serve our constituents both in-district and at the Capitol.”
MDH hotlines are available to assist Minnesotans, including a public line, (651) 201-3920, and a line for questions specifically related to schools and/or childcare, (651) 297-1304. Online resources also are available to help individuals stay up to date:
Rep. Fabian can be reached at (651) 296-9635 or at rep.dan.fabian@house.mn and Rep. Kiel can be reached at (651)296-5091 or at rep.deb.kiel@house.mn.
###