Dear Neighbors,
News is evolving quickly on the COVID-19 virus front. This week, we took quick action to help Minnesota prepare. Here is the latest news:
COVID-19
On Monday, we unanimously approved the bipartisan COVID-19 virus response bill and Gov. Walz signed the measure into law the next day. The legislation provides immediate funding to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) if the virus results in a major health crisis in Minnesota. Read the news release from Gov. Walz on the state response to the outbreak. In addition, information and resources can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health website.
The COVID-19 Hotline can be reached at (651) 201-3920 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, House DFL leaders announced additional COVID-19 measures to help prepare for the virus. A package of bills includes:
- clarification on when a governor can declare a peacetime emergency,
- establishing a health care revolving loan account,
- expansion of unemployment insurance to include sick time payments during a communicable disease outbreak,
- cost-free COVID-19 – related testing, treatment and quarantine, and
- banning price gouging on goods/services during an emergency.
Related to the COVID-19 response, Governor Walz unveiled his Emergency Preparedness and Response Supplemental Budget on Thursday. The proposal focuses on shoring up the budget reserve and leaving $1.2 billion on the bottom line to fund investments to prepare for emergencies.
Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.
Sincerely,
Laurie Pryor
State Representative