Dear Neighbors,

The Minnesota House of Representatives has been hard at work passing important legislation. Last week, we enacted key priorities like the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act and two gun violence prevention measures. Here’s an update on our work this week.

Paid Family & Medical Leave

Last night on the House Floor we approved the Paid Family & Medical Leave Act. The bill would provide Minnesotans with up to 12 weeks of leave to recover from illness, bond with a new baby, or care for a loved one. This legislation is a step toward ensuring every family in our state can have a secure economic future, no matter their personal situation or background.

In the near future, the House will consider legislation expanding Earned Sick and Safe Time to all Minnesota workers. In the latest episode of the Minnesota Values Podcast, we interview someone with an interesting perspective on this issue: a small business owner. You can listen here or anywhere else you find podcasts.

Be Ready for Real ID

Starting October 1, 2020, a regular driver’s license will no longer be sufficient to board an airplane or enter certain federal facilities. Instead, you’ll need a Real-ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, or another acceptable form of identification. Minnesotans are encouraged to apply with plenty of time before the deadline in October. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has plenty of informative resources on its website, including a list of the documents you’ll need when you apply.

If you’re encountering any difficulty through this process, please contact my office and I’ll do what I can to assist.

Preparing for COVID-19

Preparations are underway in the case COVID-19, or the coronavirus, arrives in Minnesota, and our state is in a good position to address it. Minnesota has a strong disease surveillance system in place already, and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is in constant contact with the Legislature, hospitals, clinics, and providers. MDH’s labs are also equipped to test patients for the condition.

There are currently no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Minnesota, but experts are telling us it’s not a matter of “if” but “when.” Basic precautions like washing your hands for 20 seconds, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, covering your cough, and staying home when you’re sick can help prevent the spread of harmful viruses.

The Minnesota Department of Health has information here, including up-to-date testing numbers. Additionally, St. Louis County has also launched a hotline you can call for information at 218-625-3600, and public health professionals will answer and return calls during normal business hours. Minnesotans are resilient, and I’m confident schools, businesses, and families can handle this challenge should it present itself.

Input from the community helps make me a more effective advocate for Duluth. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime.

Sincerely,

Liz Olson
State Representative