Dear Neighbors,

Last week, Governor Tim Walz launched a new COVID-19 Dashboard, compiling comprehensive data, information about actions to address the pandemic, and helpful resources for Minnesotans. The dashboard, which will be updated daily, includes information on available ventilators, ICU beds, personal protective equipment (PPE), testing, and more. This data will help drive decisions to address the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 in Minnesota.

Minnesota Values Podcast

A new episode of the Minnesota Values Podcast is out, featuring a discussion of the legislative response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These are challenging times, but we know that Minnesotans care about each other and are committed to overcoming this challenge together. Co-host Rep. Jamie Long and I are joined by Senate DFL Leader Susan Kent for this special episode.

Listen here on the web, or find the show on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts.

State of the State

Last night, Governor Tim Walz delivered his annual State of the State Address. Instead of the pomp and circumstance that normally accompanies this occasion in the House chamber before a joint hearing of the Legislature with many dignitaries in attendance, he offered his remarks via video from home.

I’m grateful for Governor Walz’s leadership in helping Minnesotans navigate an impossible situation. There are a great deal of challenges ahead to Minnesotans’ health and economic wellbeing, and I look forward to his continued partnership with the Legislature to help ensure individuals, families, and businesses can find light at the end of the tunnel.

I encourage you to watch the Governor’s remarks here.

Discrimination Helpline

There has been a rising number of instances of discrimination against our Asian Pacific Islander neighbors. Many of them have been deeply disturbing and no one deserves to be targeted based on their background. Viruses don’t discriminate, and neither should we.

Today, Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights launched a new Discrimination Helpline to reinforce the state’s efforts to protect the civil rights of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesotans who experience or witness discrimination can report incidents directly to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by calling 1-833-454-0148 or completing this online form. Discrimination isn’t welcome in our state at any time, and during this situation when everyone is experiencing a struggle to some degree, let’s go out of our way to be patient, kind, and respectful to one another.

This situation continues to evolve rapidly and we’re working hard to proactively address the challenges that emerge. Tomorrow at noon, the Minnesota House will convene to consider a measure protecting workers’ compensation benefits for health care workers, first responders, and others on the front lines who might become afflicted with COVID-19. These dedicated folks are putting themselves at risk for us, so it’s critical that we have their backs, too.

In addition to the new COVID-19 Dashboard, please visit the Minnesota Department of Health website and the Minnesota House’s COVID-19 section for information and resources.

Please continue checking in on family members, neighbors, or friends who may be vulnerable or isolated. Minnesotans care about one another, and we will only get through this challenge together.

Sincerely,

Liz Olson
State Representative