Legislative Update - March 18, 2020

Dear Neighbors, 

I hope everyone is doing well. These are challenging and uncertain times, but I take solace in the fact that we’re all going through this together. We’re all adapting, and our work at the State Capitol is no different. Here’s an update on our efforts at the Minnesota Legislature, as well as a guide of where you can direct your specific questions on health care, schools, and employment. 

Our Health Care Response

Early Tuesday morning, the Minnesota Legislature passed our latest bill in response to the COVID-19 epidemic, which Governor Walz signed into law. This new law allocates $200 million toward an emergency and long-term grant program, designed to respond to the needs of health care and long-term care facilities.  You can read more about the new law, and how we’re adapting at the Legislature, here. 

When we are on the House floor, you’ll see in the photo above that we’re doing our best to adhere to recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health, the most evident being to give yourself a space of 6 feet between others. We had members spread throughout the House floor, up in the gallery, and more in adjacent rooms. 

If you have COVID-19 related questions, please make use of the resources below:

• 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 (7am-7pm daily)
• Visit www.health.state.mn.us

School Closures

There have been several important state and federal announcements, all of them in quick succession over the past couple of days. Today is the first day Minnesota’s schools are mandated to be closed, though many started earlier this week. The next few days will be used to accommodate planning between school staff, teachers, and administrators with guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Health on how to make sure Minnesota’s students are able to continue their studies during this pandemic. 

During this time, schools will be required to provide care for elementary-age children of health care professionals, first responders, and other emergency workers during previously planned school days to ensure Minnesota’s first line of defense against COVID-19 can stay on the job. It also makes provisions for the continuity of mental health services and requires schools to continue providing meals to students in need.

If you have any questions on school closures or child care, please make use of the numbers and link below:

• Call 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 (7am-7pm daily)
• Visit www.education.mn.gov 
• Child care providers with questions should call 1-888-234-1268 

Restrictions on Restaurants, Closures of Venues

Yesterday at 5pm, gyms, bars, theaters, museums, and many other businesses where the public gathers were ordered to close. Restaurants are still allowed take-out and drive-thru options, and I encourage everyone to patronize local businesses that are able to do this. You can read Governor Walz’s executive order on this measure here, which includes a comprehensive list of the types of businesses that are impacted. 

This is a tough but necessary measure, and as a result thousands of Minnesotans are currently living with either reduced working hours or a complete loss of employment. I highly encourage everyone in that situation to look into unemployment benefits, which you can find more information on here.

Additional questions for workers and employees can be directed to the number and link below:

• 651-259-7114 or 800-657-3858
• Visit www.mn.gov/deed

Stay In Touch

Our physical offices are only accessible via appointment these days, but always feel free to reach out to me at rep.mike.freiberg@house.mn and at (651) 296-4176. (E-mail is preferred).  I’m also looking into ways to touch base with folks during this time of social isolation, so stay tuned for possible Facebook Town Halls or live videos. As we continue our work at the Minnesota Legislature on how to stay strong during and after this virus, I’ll keep you in the loop. 

Stay strong, and wash your hands!

Mike Freiberg