Good afternoon,
On Thursday, Governor Walz made the decision to keep students at home for the remainder of the school year by deciding that distance learning will continue. There's also some good news for those employed in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, as well as those who work in office settings as they can go back to work on Monday so long as their employer establishes a , preparedness plan that follows CDC/DEED announced guidelines AND engages in employee health screening every day.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has much more information available on this governor's decision. Click here to learn more.
HELPFUL LINK FOR FARMERS
Farmers all over Minnesota, including from our area, are hurting along with many other Minnesotans. Ethanol plants have closed due to the unnaturally low oil prices and commodity prices have plummeted. I want to pass along this website that MDA has put together. It has numerous different topics and contacts for department staff. The site covers issues from questions about meat processing to mental health resources to financial support through RFA. It’s a good resource for farmers in these tough times. Click here to learn more.
IT'S TIME TO BRING MORE VOICES INTO THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS
Recently I discussed the need to keep people safe and open our economy at this critical time. This doesn’t need to be an either-or decision. We can both keep people safe and carefully and smartly begin opening our shuttered businesses back up. Click here to read my latest column.
ANSWERS TO YOUR CAMPING QUESTIONS
I have received a number of questions concerning both camping and also the opening of resorts up north. Below is the most recent information that my office has received from the Governor’s office for clarification on these issues. As you will read below, the Governor’s staff is working on clarification for campgrounds and RV parks. I will post that information as soon as I get it.
From the Governor's office, which notes that resorts were never actually closed under the Executive Order, but there certainly has been some misinformation circulating on the subject.
- The hotel portions of resorts (including rented cabins) can open as planned and can accept guests.
- Guests do not have to be members of a critical sector to stay at a resort.
- Communal amenities may not be open for use.
- While resorts can accept visitors, the Stay at Home Order continues to discourage unnecessary travel, and the Order asks people to remain close to their homes.
- Resorts do not have to open if they are not comfortable doing so.
- Maintenance and cleaning staff can begin work now to prepare for the season. It goes without saying that the health and safety of employees and guests should remain a priority throughout the season.
We are also working on clarification on campgrounds and RV resorts. I will send those to you as soon as I get them.
HELP OUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS
Hungry? A number of Albert Lea restaurants are open for pickup or delivery. I have been enjoying eating takeout and thought maybe you would also want to help support our restaurants during this tough time. Click here to see who's cooking!
Please note, I wasn’t able to find online information for restaurants that are open in the other communities of our district, many of which have restaurants. If anyone knows of such a list that lists open restaurants in any House District 27A community, please send it my way and I'll be happy to post it!
Have a good weekend,
Peggy