Dear Neighbors,
On Tuesday, the Minnesota House of Representatives convened to vote on two pieces of legislation and a House Resolution to end Governor Walz’s peacetime emergency powers.
Getting Minnesota Back to Work
I understand the frustrations many in our district are having regarding the Governor's decision to extend the stay-at-home order until May 4. I’ve heard from a lot of you and want you to know that I have been working every day to urge the administration to ease restrictions to allow additional businesses return to work in a safe manner.
To that end, House Republicans forced the first vote since the COVID-19 crisis began to end Governor Walz’s peacetime emergency powers, and begin the process of safely reopening Minnesota’s economy by continuing social distancing and prioritizing health and safety, especially for the most vulnerable Minnesotans.
I voted in support of the resolution.
While the resolution ultimately failed, I will continue pushing for common sense and transparency in Minnesota’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, so that we chart the best path to overcome the pandemic, and expedite a safe return to work.
There is a delicate balance that we need to keep in mind when discussing steps to reopen our economy, but I believe Minnesota is up for the challenge.
COVID-19 Response Legislation
The first bill approved on Tuesday, House File 4556, will help protect struggling farmers by extending dates for Farmer/Lender mediation, expand access to telemedicine, and ensure that Minnesotans are covered as they normally would be if they receive care at an alternate treatment site.
In addition to these policy measures, the bill includes one important allocation to provide $1.25 million dollars to Second Harvest Food Bank, which will help ensure needed funding for our food shelves and allow them to purchase milk and other protein products from our state’s farmers.
Emergency Insulin Bill
After months of work, the legislature came to a compromise agreement that makes insulin more affordable for Minnesotans, and ensures that insulin is available in emergency situations. This bill ensures that insulin affordability programs will remain in place and provides life-saving assistance for those in emergency situations.
I was proud to vote in support of this bill and help folks better access affordable insulin.
Please continue to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a great day,
Dave