ST. PAUL – State Rep. Joe McDonald, R-Delano, said he will continue working to represent the citizens of District 29A, even as the Minnesota House’s daily operations have been altered amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
The House formally 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. McDonald said alternate means of working will allow the House to respond to the needs of Minnesotans, while also fully complying with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines including social distancing, limiting large gatherings, telework, and increased cleaning measures necessitated by COVID-19.
“The COVID-19 outbreak is presenting us all with a set of challenges unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” McDonald said. “The most important thing for me right now is to continue to be in communication with the people I represent, providing assistance or directing folks to services that are available. Minnesota’s public health professionals and other emergency responders are exceptional in their fields and words do not suffice in the debt of gratitude they are owed. Our world may have been turned a bit upside-down by this COVID-19 outbreak and the short-term changes we are adopting will help us to come out stronger on the other side. Please, let me know if there is anything I can do to help.”
McDonald indicated 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. Several online resources also are available to help individuals stay up to date:
McDonald can be reached at (651) 296-4336 or at rep.joe.mcdonald@house.mn
-30-