Dear Neighbors,
Updates Return!
Now that the campaign season is over, I’m so happy to return to our regular email updates covering happenings at the Legislature and around Minnesota.
First, I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of our communities in Senate District 41 for electing me to represent you in the state Senate for the next two years. I look forward to serving the five cities as best I can come January. In the meantime, I am happy to continue to share updates and information as your state Representative until Representative-Elect Feist is sworn in.
On a personal note, after 25 years as an educator, I will be formally retiring from the teaching profession. It is certainly a bittersweet decision but fortunately, I’ve got a great replacement!
Here are some updates:
New Covid-19 Rules as Virus Reaches Record Levels
Unfortunately, Covid is spreading at record levels throughout the country, including here in Minnesota where we have reached our capacity to manage the virus. Governor Walz has announced a number of new actions designed to reign in the virus.
Yesterday, Governor Walz announced the following restrictions:
- Restaurants will be take-out only for the next 4 weeks
- Gyms and fitness centers will also close for 4 weeks
- Theaters, movie theater, bowling alleys, museums, and arcades will all be closed
- Wedding receptions, celebrations and private parties are put on hold as well
- Limit all social gatherings with people outside of you household
- All youth sports are on pause, there have been too many cases connected to sports for them to continue safely
- It is also advised that you avoid interstate travel
Please join me in supporting our small businesses. Let’s continue to enjoy takeout from favorite local restaurants, they are going to need our help more than ever.
No one wants to see increased restrictions; we are all fatigued by the ongoing fight against COVID-19. But these restrictions are necessary to help reverse the spread of this virus and save lives. We surely are not at a point where we can return to normal. These restrictions are a direct result of Minnesotans returning to too many pre-covid activities without taking the proper preventative measures. I understand that this is difficult, but we must remain strict when it comes to managing this virus. For everyone's sake, please continue to limit gatherings, wear masks, and social distancing.
It is increasingly clear that Minnesota needs federal assistance. We need immediate action on a new COVID relief package, and an extension on flexibility to utilize resources allocated to state and local governments in the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Our state and local governments can’t combat this devastating virus alone, we must come together as a nation to fight for one another.
Actions Taken to Increase Testing and Provide Financial Relief
Last week, Governor Walz announced the addition of more than a dozen new testing locations opening across the state over the next two weeks. All of the new testing sites will continue to offer free, “no barrier” COVID-19 testing. Testing will be free and available to anyone who wants to be tested whether they have symptoms or not, and it will not require insurance. These sites will be open at least through the end of the year with logistical aid provided by the National Guard. It is critical that we test as much as possible so we can trace how the virus is spreading and implement the necessary isolation.For more information on how and where to receive a COVID-19 test, visit mn.gov/covid19/. An updated list of community testing sites is available here.
Lastly, Governor Walz announced $10 million in Small Business Relief Grants to support businesses that are struggling as they do their part to combat the spread of COVID-19. This funding will support an additional 1,000 businesses that have applied for the grant program.
Giving Thanks
Wishing you all the very best this Thanksgiving holiday. It’s going to be really tough not gathering with my large family and probably not even with my kids, but we decided distance is the best gift we can give each other at this time. Some of us have lost loved ones to this virus, some of us have experienced the virus personally or nursed someone through it. I am thankful everyday for the medical personnel who risk their health and that of their families to tend to their patients.
Fight this pandemic by staying home as best you can, social distance in public, wear your mask, and wash your hands frequently. Do it for each other, in thanks.
Keep in Touch
I sincerely hope that you and your families will be well through this continuation of the Covid-19 pandemic. You can still reach out with comments and questions for me at: rep.mary.kuneshpodein@house.mn or 651-296-4331.
Stay well,
Mary