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Dear Neighbors,
With the first confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) taking place in Minnesota this last week, our work at the State Capitol has been to ensure that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has the resources it needs to swiftly respond to the virus and stop the spread. To that end, the Minnesota House and Senate unanimously passed legislation on Monday to invest $20.9 million in reinforcing MDH’s efforts, and Governor Walz signed the bill into law Tuesday.
This was just our initial legislative step in combating this virus, and more action may be necessary as the situation evolves. MDH’s labs are prepared and actively testing patients for the condition, and up-to-date information can be found on their website. A public hotline is also available to answer questions related to COVID-19. The hotline is open 7am-7pm and can be reached at 651-201-3920.
Today, Governor Walz declared a peacetime state of emergency, emphasizing the need to deploy community mitigation strategies (canceling large events, avoiding crowds and travel, keeping substantial space between you and others). This is a quickly evolving situation, but these recommendations don’t mean that healthy Minnesotans should bar themselves from leaving their home entirely, rather that practical measures should be taken to prevent the contraction and spread of COVID-19.
Yesterday, my colleagues in the House DFL introduced a package of bills aimed at addressing issues that may arise as a result of the coronavirus cases in our state. These bills would:
- Require health plans to cover all costs of testing, treatment, and quarantine related to COVID-19.
- Ban price gouging of necessary goods and services during an emergency.
- Compensate hourly school workers for days canceled or missed due to COVID-19.
- Expand the Governor’s authority to declare public health emergencies as possible peacetime emergencies.
- Establish a loan account for health care providers.
- Expand unemployment insurance and sick leave benefits during times of emergency.
This is an issue I take seriously, and I want to echo the instructions of public health officials and remind folks to frequently wash their hands, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home when they are sick, and stay informed. I’ll continue to update our community as we receive more information from MDH.
If you have any questions about our work in the Minnesota House, please feel free to contact my office at rep.jeff.brand@house.mn or (651) 296-8634.
Your Partner in St. Paul,
Jeff Brand
State Representative, District 19A
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