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Dear neighbors,
First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who joined Rep. Leon Lillie, Sen. Chuck Wiger, and I for our first virtual town hall on Monday! A video of the event is available here.
If you have any questions that weren’t addressed during the town hall or if I can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to email me at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn.
Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act
Thousands of people have been forced to ration their insulin because they can’t keep up with skyrocketing costs. On Tuesday, my colleagues and I passed the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, landmark legislation to help people with diabetes get the insulin they need at a price they can afford. I’m pleased we were able to take this important step to protect the health of Minnesotans.
The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which is named after a young man who lost his life because he was forced to ration insulin due to the cost, ensures that people who can’t afford their insulin and are in urgent need can access an emergency 30-day supply at their pharmacy for a co-pay of $35. It also includes measures to help those who need long-term assistance. You can find more information here.
COVID-19 Response Legislation
We also approved our fourth COVID-19 response bill. This legislation provides needed flexibility and assistance to Minnesotans. It allows local governments to meet remotely, suspends certain deadlines and expiration dates, expands use of telemedicine, gives the Department of Health authority to set up alternative health care facilities, allows marriage applications to be submitted without the need to appear in person, and more. More details are available here.
Takeout Beer and Wine
We are committed to finding ways to get our economy up and running without putting Minnesotans’ lives at risk. Today, we passed a bill to allow restaurants and bars to sell takeout beer and wine with food orders. This change will help restaurants and bars recover from losses, preserve jobs, and serve customers safely. More information about this legislation is available here.
Like many Minnesotans, my family has been ordering takeout in order to support our local small businesses. You can find a list of restaurants in our area that are open for takeout or delivery here.
Expanded Recreation Opportunities
The Governor considers input from Minnesotans, along with information from health experts and the business community, when making difficult decisions as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. This morning, Governor Walz issued an executive order to expand golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Thanks to this order, Minnesotans will be able to continue spending time outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we should all stay close to home, avoid crowded areas, and maintain a six-foot distance from others while doing so.
This order means that public and private parks and trails, golf courses and driving ranges, bait shops, outdoor shooting ranges, and boating and off-highway vehicle services can remain open or reopen. You can read the new executive order 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.
Additional Unemployment Benefits
As a result of federal legislation, Minnesotans who are eligible for unemployment benefits will receive an additional $600 per week. If you’re already receiving these benefits, you’ll automatically receive the additional payment for every week you remain eligible. More information about these $600 payments is available here.
Reminder: Be Counted in the 2020 Census
By now, you should have received a postcard with instructions on how to be counted in the 2020 Census. If you haven’t responded yet, please take a few minutes to do so here. Your response will help ensure that Minnesota receives our fair share of federal funding for schools, hospitals, roads and bridges, and other services we all rely on.
Please take care of yourself and your loved ones. If I can be of assistance, please call me at 651-296-5363 or email me at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Peter Fischer
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